Aryl substituted indoles and the use thereof

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to aryl and heteroaryl substituted compounds of Formula (I), and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, prodrugs, or solvates thereof, wherein G, R 1 , and Z 1 -Z 5  are defined as set forth in the specification. The invention is also directed to the use of compounds of Formula (I) to treat a disorder responsive to the blockade of sodium channels. Compounds of the present invention are especially useful for treating pain.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention is in the field of medicinal chemistry. The invention relates to novel aryl and heteroaryl substituted compounds, and specifically novel aryl substituted indolyl compounds, and the use of these compounds as blockers of sodium (Na⁺) channels.

2. Background Art

Voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) are found in all excitable cells. In neuronal cells of the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS) sodium channels are primarily responsible for generating the rapid upstroke of the action potential. In this manner sodium channels are essential to the initiation and propagation of electrical signals in the nervous system. Proper function of sodium channels is therefore necessary for normal function of the neuron. Consequently, aberrant sodium channel function is thought to underlie a variety of medical disorders (See Hubner et al., Hum. Mol. Genet. 11:2435-2445 (2002) for a general review of inherited ion channel disorders) including epilepsy (Yogeeswari et al, Curr. Drug Target 5:589-602 (2004)), arrhythmia (Noble, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 99:5755-5756 (2002)), myotonia (Cannon, Kidney Int 57:772-779 (2000)), and pain (Wood et al., J. Neurobiol., 61:55-71 (2004)).

VGSCs are composed of one α-subunit, that forms the core of the channel and is responsible for voltage-dependent gating and ion permeation, and several auxiliary β-subunits (see, e.g., Chahine et al., CNS & Neurological Disorders-Drug Targets 7: 144-158 (2008) and Kyle and Ilyin, J. Med. Chem. 50:2583-2588 (2007)). α-Subunits are large proteins composed of four homologous domains. Each domain contains six α-helical transmembrane spanning segments. There are currently 9 known members of the family of voltage-gated sodium channel α-subunits. Names for this family include SCNx, SCNAx, and Na_(v)x.x (see Table 1, below). The VGSC family has been phylogenetically divided into two subfamilies Na_(v)1.x (all but SCN6A) and Na_(v)2.x (SCN6A). The Na_(v)1.x subfamily can be functionally subdivided into two groups, those which are sensitive to blocking by tetrodotoxin (TTX-sensitive or TTX-s) and those which are resistant to blocking by tetrodotoxin (TTX-resistant or TTX-r).

There are three members of the subgroup of TTX-resistant sodium channels. The SCN5A gene product (Na_(v)1.5, H1) is almost exclusively expressed in cardiac tissue and has been shown to underlie a variety of cardiac arrhythmias and other conduction disorders (Liu et al., Am. J. Pharmacogenomics 3:173-179 (2003)). Consequently, blockers of Na_(v)1.5 have found clinical utility in treatment of such disorders (Srivatsa et al., Curr. Cardiol. Rep. 4:401-410 (2002)). The remaining TTX-resistant sodium channels, Na_(v)1.8 (SCN10A, PN3, SNS) and Na_(v)1.9 (SCN11A, NaN, SNS2) are expressed in the peripheral nervous system and show preferential expression in primary nociceptive neurons. Human genetic variants of these channels have not been associated with any inherited clinical disorder. However, aberrant expression of Na_(v)1.8 has been found in the CNS of human multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and also in a rodent model of MS (Black et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 97:11598-115602 (2000)). Evidence for involvement in nociception is both associative (preferential expression in nociceptive neurons) and direct (genetic knockout). Na_(v)1.8-null mice exhibited typical nociceptive behavior in response to acute noxious stimulation but had significant deficits in referred pain and hyperalgesia (Laird et al., J. Neurosci. 22:8352-8356 (2002)).

TABLE 1 Voltage-gated sodium channel gene family Gene Tissue TTX IC₅₀ Disease Type Symbol Distribution (nM) Association Indications Na_(v)1.1 SCN1A CNS/PNS 10 Epilepsy Pain, seizures, neurodegeneration Na_(v)12 SCN2A CNS 10 Epilepsy Epilepsy, neurodegeneration Na_(v)1.3 SCN3A CNS 15 — Pain Na_(v)1.4 SCN4A Skeletal muscle 25 Myotonia Myotonia Na_(v)1.5 SCN5A Heart muscle 2,000 Arrhythmia Arrhythmia Na_(v)1.6 SCN8A CNS/PNS 6 — Pain, movement disorders Na_(v)1.7 SCN9A PNS 25 Erythermalgia Pain Na_(v)1.8 SCN10A PNS 50,000 — Pain Na_(v)1.9 SCN11A PNS 1,000 — Pain

The Na_(v)1.7 (PN1, SCN9A) VGSC is sensitive to blocking by tetrodotoxin and is preferentially expressed in peripheral sympathetic and sensory neurons. The SCN9A gene has been cloned from a number of species, including human, rat, and rabbit and shows ˜90% amino acid identity between the human and rat genes (Toledo-Aral et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 94:1527-1532 (1997)).

An increasing body of evidence suggests that Na_(v)1.7 may play a key role in various pain states, including acute, inflammatory and/or neuropathic pain. Deletion of the SCN9A gene in nociceptive neurons of mice led to an increase in mechanical and thermal pain thresholds and reduction or abolition of inflammatory pain responses (Nassar et al., Proc Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 101:12706-12711 (2004)).

Sodium channel-blocking agents have been reported to be effective in the treatment of various disease states, and have found particular use as local anesthetics, e.g., lidocaine and bupivacaine, and in the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias, e.g., propafenone and amiodarone, and epilepsy, e.g., lamotrigine, phenytoin and carbamazepine (see Clare et al., Drug Discovery Today 5:506-510 (2000); Lai et al., Annu. Rev. Pharmacol. Toxicol. 44:371-397 (2004); Anger et al., J. Med. Chem. 44:115-137 (2001), and Catterall, Trends Pharmacol. Sci. 8:57-65 (1987)). Each of these agents is believed to act by interfering with the rapid influx of sodium ions.

Other sodium channel blockers such as BW619C89 and lifarizine have been shown to be neuroprotective in animal models of global and focal ischemia (Graham et al., J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 269:854-859 (1994); Brown et al., British J. Pharmacol. 115:1425-1432 (1995)).

It has also been reported that sodium channel-blocking agents may be useful in the treatment of pain, including acute, chronic, inflammatory, neuropathic, and other types of pain such as rectal, ocular, and submandibular pain typically associated with paroxysmal extreme pain disorder; see, for example, Kyle and Ilyin, J. Med. Chem. 50:2583-2588 (2007); Wood et al., J. Neurobiol. 61:55-71 (2004); Baker et al., TRENDS in Pharmacological Sciences 22:27-31 (2001); and Lai et al., Current Opinion in Neurobiology 13:291-297 (2003); the treatment of neurological disorders such as epilepsy, seizures, epilepsy with febrile seizures, epilepsy with benign familial neonatal infantile seizures, inherited pain disorders, e.g., primary erthermalgia and paroxysmal extreme pain disorder, familial hemiplegic migraine, and movement disorder; and the treatment of other psychiatric disorders such as autism, cerebeller atrophy, ataxia, and mental retardation; see, for example, Chahine et al., CNS & Neurological Disorders-Drug Targets 7:144-158 (2008) and Meisler and Kearney, J. Clin. Invest. 115:2010-2017 (2005). In addition to the above-mentioned clinical uses, carbamazepine, lidocaine and phenytoin are occasionally used to treat neuropathic pain, such as from trigeminal neuralgia, diabetic neuropathy and other forms of nerve damage (Taylor and Meldrum, Trends Pharmacol. Sci. 16:309-316 (1995)). Furthermore, based on a number of similarities between chronic pain and tinnitus, (Moller, Am. J. Otol. 18:577-585 (1997); Tonndorf, Hear. Res. 28:271-275 (1987)) it has been proposed that tinnitus should be viewed as a form of chronic pain sensation (Simpson, et al., Tip. 20:12-18 (1999)). Indeed, lidocaine and carbamazepine have been shown to be efficacious in treating tinnitus (Majumdar, B. et al., Clin. Otolaryngol. 8:175-180 (1983); Donaldson, Laryngol. Otol. 95:947-951 (1981)).

Many patients with either acute or chronic pain disorders respond poorly to current pain therapies, and the development of resistance or insensitivity to opiates is common. In addition, many of the currently available treatments have undesirable side effects.

In view of the limited efficacy and/or unacceptable side-effects of the currently available agents, there is a pressing need for more effective and safer analgesics that work by blocking sodium channels.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is related to the use of compounds represented by Formula I, below, and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts, prodrugs and solvates thereof (collectively referred to herein as “Compounds of the Invention”), as blockers of sodium (Na⁺) channels.

The invention is also related to treating a disorder responsive to the blockade of sodium channels in a mammal suffering from excess activity of said channels by administering an effective amount of a Compound of the Invention as described herein.

Compounds useful in the present invention have not been heretofore reported. Thus, one aspect of the present invention is directed to novel compounds of Formula I, as well as their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, prodrugs and solvates.

Another aspect of the present invention is directed to the use of the novel compounds of Formula I, and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, prodrugs and solvates, as modulators, in particular blockers of sodium channels.

A further aspect of the present invention is to provide a method for treating pain (e.g., acute pain, chronic pain, which includes but is not limited to, neuropathic pain, postoperative pain and inflammatory pain, or surgical pain) by administering an effective amount of a Compound of the Invention to a mammal in need of such treatment. Specifically, the present invention provides a method for preemptive or palliative treatment of pain by administering an effective amount of a Compound of the Invention to a mammal in need of such treatment.

A further aspect of the present invention is to provide a method for treating stroke, neuronal damage resulting from head trauma, epilepsy, seizures, general epilepsy with febrile seizures, severe myoclonic epilepsy in infancy, neuronal loss following global and focal ischemia, migraine, familial primary erythromelalgia, paroxysmal extreme pain disorder, cerebellar atrophy, ataxia, distonia, tremor, mental retardation, autism, a neurodegenerative disorder (e.g., Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or Parkinson's disease), manic depression, tinnitus, myotonia, a movement disorder, or cardiac arrhythmia, or providing local anesthesia, by administering an effective amount of a Compound of the Invention to a mammal in need of such treatment.

A further aspect of the present invention is to provide a pharmaceutical composition useful for treating a disorder responsive to the blockade of sodium ion channels, said pharmaceutical composition containing an effective amount of a Compound of the Invention in a mixture with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers.

Also, an aspect of the invention is to provide a method of modulating, preferably blocking sodium channels in a mammal, wherein said method comprises administering to the mammal an effective amount of at least one Compound of the Invention.

A further aspect of the invention is to provide a Compound of the Invention for use in treating pain (e.g., acute pain, chronic pain, which includes but is not limited to, neuropathic pain, postoperative pain and inflammatory pain, or surgical pain) in a mammal.

A further aspect of the invention is to provide a Compound of the Invention for use in the treatment of stroke, neuronal damage resulting from head trauma, epilepsy, seizures, general epilepsy with febrile seizures, severe myoclonic epilepsy in infancy, neuronal loss following global and focal ischemia, migraine, familial primary erythromelalgia, paroxysmal extreme pain disorder, cerebellar atrophy, ataxia, distonia, tremor, mental retardation, autism, a neurodegenerative disorder (e.g., Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or Parkinson's disease), manic depression, tinnitus, myotonia, a movement disorder, or cardiac arrhythmia, or providing local anesthesia in a mammal.

A further aspect of the present invention is to provide radiolabeled Compounds of the Invention and the use of such compounds as radioligands in any appropriately selected competitive binding assays and screening methodologies. Thus, the invention further provides a method for screening a candidate compound for its ability to bind to a sodium channel or a sodium channel subunit using a radiolabeled Compound of the Invention. In certain embodiments, the compound is radiolabeled with ³H, ¹¹C, or ¹⁴C. This competitive binding assay can be conducted using any appropriately selected methodology. In one embodiment, the screening method comprises a) introducing a fixed concentration of the radiolabeled compound to an in vitro preparation comprising a soluble or membrane-associated sodium channel, subunit or fragment under conditions that permit the radiolabeled compound to bind to the channel, subunit or fragment, respectively, to form a conjugate; b) titrating the mixture with a candidate compound; and c) determining the ability of the candidate compound to displace the radiolabeled compound from said channel, subunit or fragment.

A further aspect of the invention is to provide the use of a Compound of the Invention in the manufacture of a medicament for treating pain in a mammal. In one embodiment, the invention provides the use of a Compound of the Invention in the manufacture of a medicament for palliative or preemptive treatment of pain, such as acute pain, chronic pain, or surgical pain.

A further aspect of the invention is to provide the use of a Compound of the Invention in the manufacture of a medicament for treating stroke, neuronal damage resulting from head trauma, epilepsy, seizures, general epilepsy with febrile seizures, severe myoclonic epilepsy in infancy, neuronal loss following global and focal ischemia, migraine, familial primary erythromelalgia, paroxysmal extreme pain disorder, cerebellar atrophy, ataxia, distonia, tremor, mental retardation, autism, a neurodegenerative disorder (e.g., Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or Parkinson's disease), manic depression, tinnitus, myotonia, a movement disorder, or cardiac arrhythmia, or providing local anesthesia in a mammal.

A further aspect of the invention is to provide compounds represented by Formula XX, below, and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts, prodrugs and solvates thereof, and a method of treating pain (e.g., acute pain, chronic pain, which includes but is not limited to, neuropathic pain, postoperative pain and inflammatory pain, or surgical pain), stroke, neuronal damage resulting from head trauma, epilepsy, seizures, general epilepsy with febrile seizures, severe myoclonic epilepsy in infancy, neuronal loss following global and focal ischemia, migraine, familial primary erythromelalgia, paroxysmal extreme pain disorder, cerebellar atrophy, ataxia, distonia, tremor, mental retardation, autism, a neurodegenerative disorder (e.g., Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or Parkinson's disease), manic depression, tinnitus, myotonia, a movement disorder, or cardiac arrhythmia, or providing local anesthesia in a mammal by administering an effective amount of a compound of Formula XX, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, prodrug, or solvate thereof, to a mammal in need thereof.

Additional embodiments and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and will flow from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The embodiments and advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing summary and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention is based on the use of compounds of Formula I, and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts, prodrugs and solvates thereof, as blockers of Na⁺ channels. In view of this property, compounds of Formula I, and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts, prodrugs and solvates thereof, are useful for treating disorders responsive to the blockade of sodium ion channels.

The compounds useful in this aspect of the invention are compounds represented by Formula I:

and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts, prodrugs and solvates thereof, wherein:

Z¹ is CR² or N, Z² is CR³ or N, Z³ is CR⁴ or N, Z⁴ is CR⁵ or N, and Z⁵ is CR⁶ or N, provided that Z², Z³, Z⁴, and Z⁵ are not all N at the same time;

G is G¹, G², or G³, wherein

G¹ is

G² is

and

G³ is

m is 0, 1, 2, or 3;

p is 0, 1, 2, or 3;

r is 0 or 1;

s is 1 or 2; provided that when r is 1, then s is 1;

R⁷ is selected from the group consisting of

a) —C(═O)NR¹⁰R¹¹, wherein R¹⁰ and R¹¹ are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, haloalkyl, haloalkoxyalkyl, aminoalkyl, alkylaminoalkyl, and dialkylaminoalkyl;

b) —C(═O)OR¹², wherein R¹² is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, haloalkyl, haloalkoxyalkyl, aminoalkyl, alkylaminoalkyl, and dialkylaminoalkyl;

c) —(CH₂)_(n)OR¹³, wherein n is 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 and R¹³ is hydrogen; and

d) hydrogen;

R⁸ and R⁹ are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, alkylsulfonyl, alkylsulfinyl, alkylcarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, haloalkyl, haloalkoxyalkyl, aminoalkyl, alkylaminoalkyl, dialkylaminoalkyl, hydroxy, haloalkylcarbonyl, and optionally substituted arylcarbonyl; or

—NR⁸R⁹ is —NO₂; or

R⁹ is hydrogen, R⁷ is —(CH₂)_(n)OR¹³, R⁸ and R¹³ together form a bridge —C(═O)— to form a heterocyclic ring, n is 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, and m is 1, 2 or 3;

R^(7a) is selected from the group consisting of

a) —(CH₂)_(q)OH, wherein q is 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5;

b) —C(═O)OR^(12a), wherein R^(12a) is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, haloalkyl, haloalkoxyalkyl, aminoalkyl, alkylaminoalkyl, and dialkylaminoalkyl; and

c) hydrogen;

R^(8a) is hydrogen or a bond (—OR^(8a) is ═O), provided that when R^(7a) is hydrogen, then R^(8a) is hydrogen;

R^(7b) and R^(8b) are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, alkylsulfonyl, alkylsulfinyl, alkylcarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, haloalkyl, haloalkoxyalkyl, aminoalkyl, alkylaminoalkyl, dialkylaminoalkyl, hydroxy, haloalkylcarbonyl, and optionally substituted arylcarbonyl;

R^(9b) is hydrogen, alkyl, haloalkyl, haloalkoxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, cyanoalkyl, or hydroxyalkyl;

one of R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, and R⁶ is A, wherein

A is

wherein

A¹ is aryl or heteroaryl, any of which is optionally substituted;

X is —O—, —S—, —SO—, —SO₂—, —CH₂—, —NR²⁷—, —N(R²⁸)SO₂—, or —SO₂N(R²⁹)—, wherein

R²⁷, R²⁸, and R²⁹ are each independently hydrogen or alkyl; and

R¹⁴ and R¹⁵ are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, halogen, haloalkyl, hydroxyalkyl, hydroxy, nitro, amino, cyano, amide, carboxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, ureido, acylamino, thiol, acyloxy, azido, mercaptoalkyl, alkoxy, carboxy, and aminocarbonyl;

R¹, when not A, is hydrogen, alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, aminoalkyl, alkylaminoalkyl, dialkylaminoalkyl, aminocarbonylalkyl, (alkylaminocarbonyl)alkyl, or (dialkylaminocarbonyl)alkyl; and

R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, and R⁶, when not A, are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen; optionally substituted alkyl (such as, for example, (2-oxooxazolidin-4-yl)alkyl, —CH(OH)C(═O)NH₂, —CH(OH)CH₂OH, —CH₂CH(OH)CH₂OH, —CH(OH)CH₂NR¹⁸R¹⁹, —CH(NR¹⁸R¹⁹)CH₂OH, and —CH₂CH(NR¹⁸R¹⁹)CH₂OH, where R¹⁸ and R¹⁹ are each independently hydrogen or C₁₋₆ alkyl), optionally substituted alkenyl, or optionally substituted alkynyl; halogen; hydroxy; cyano; amino; alkylamino; dialkylamino; alkoxy; aminocarbonyl; alkylaminocarbonyl; dialkylaminocarbonyl; alkylcarbonylamino; alkylcarbonyloxy; carboxy; aminosulfonyl; alkylsulfonylamino; and alkoxycarbonyl.

The carbon in G¹ to which NR⁸R⁹ is attached and the carbon in G² to which OR^(8a) is attached can be chiral centers. The carbon in G³ to which OH and R^(9b) are attached can be a chiral center. Accordingly, the configuration at those carbon atoms can be (R) or (S). R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, and R⁶, when not A, can also include a chiral center.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of Formula I, where R¹ is A, and Z¹, Z², Z³, Z⁴, and Z⁵ are as defined for Formula I, wherein at least one of Z¹, Z², Z³, Z⁴, and Z⁵ is N, and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts, prodrugs, and solvates thereof. In one aspect of this embodiment, Z¹ is N. In another aspect of this embodiment, Z² is N. In another aspect of this embodiment, Z³ is N. In another aspect of this embodiment, Z⁴ is N. In another aspect of this embodiment, Z⁵ is N.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of Formula I, where Z¹ is CR², R² is A, and R¹, Z², Z³, Z⁴ and Z⁵ are as defined for Formula I, wherein at least one of Z², Z³, Z⁴, and Z⁵ is N, and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts, prodrugs, and solvates thereof. In one aspect of this embodiment, Z² is N. In another aspect of this embodiment, Z³ is N. In another aspect of this embodiment, Z⁴ is N. In another aspect of this embodiment, Z⁵ is N.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of Formula I, where Z² is CR³, R³ is A, and R¹, Z¹, Z³, Z⁴ and Z⁵ are as defined for Formula I, wherein at least one of Z¹, Z³, Z⁴ and Z⁵ is N, and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts, prodrugs, and solvates thereof. In one aspect of this embodiment, Z¹ is N. In another aspect of this embodiment, Z³ is N. In another aspect of this embodiment, Z⁴ is N. In another aspect of this embodiment, Z⁵ is N.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of Formula I, where Z³ is CR⁴, R⁴ is A, and R¹, Z¹, Z², Z⁴ and Z⁵ are as defined for Formula I, wherein at least one of Z¹, Z², Z⁴ and Z⁵ is N, and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts, prodrugs, and solvates thereof. In one aspect of this embodiment, Z¹ is N. In another aspect of this embodiment, Z² is N. In another aspect of this embodiment, Z⁴ is N. In another aspect of this embodiment, Z⁵ is N.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of Formula I, where Z⁴ is CR⁵, R⁵ is A, and R¹, Z¹, Z², Z³ and Z⁵ are as defined for Formula I, wherein at least one of Z¹, Z², Z³ and Z⁵ is N, and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts, prodrugs, and solvates thereof. In one aspect of this embodiment, Z¹ is N. In another aspect of this embodiment, Z² is N. In another aspect of this embodiment, Z³ is N. In another aspect of this embodiment, Z⁵ is N.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of Formula I, where Z⁵ is CR⁶, R⁶ is A, and R¹, Z¹, Z², Z³ and Z⁴ are as defined for Formula I, wherein at least one of Z¹, Z², Z³ and Z⁴ is N, and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts, prodrugs, and solvates thereof. In one aspect of this embodiment, Z¹ is N. In another aspect of this embodiment, Z² is N. In another aspect of this embodiment, Z³ is N. In another aspect of this embodiment, Z⁴ is N.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of Formula I, where Z⁵ is N, Z¹, Z², Z³, and Z⁴ are CR², CR³, CR⁴, and CR⁵, respectively, and G is G³, wherein r is 0, A¹ is optionally substituted heteroaryl, and R¹ is A.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of Formula I, where at least two of Z¹, Z², Z³, Z⁴ and Z⁵ are N. In another embodiment, Z¹ and Z² are N, and Z³, Z⁴, and Z⁵ are CR⁴, CR⁵, and CR⁶, respectively. In another embodiment, Z¹ and Z³ are N, and Z², Z⁴, and Z⁵ are CR³, CR⁵, and CR⁶, respectively. In another embodiment, Z¹ and Z⁴ are N, and Z², Z³, and Z⁵ are CR³, CR⁴, and CR⁶, respectively. In another embodiment, Z¹ and Z⁵ are N, and Z², Z³, and Z⁴ are CR³, CR⁴, and CR⁵, respectively.

In one embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of Formula I, where Z¹, Z², Z³, Z⁴, and Z⁵ are CR², CR³, CR⁴, CR⁵, and CR⁶, respectively, which Compounds of the Invention have the Formula II:

and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts, prodrugs, and solvates thereof, wherein G and R¹-R⁶ are as defined for Formula I.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of Formula I, where Z¹, Z², Z³, Z⁴, and Z⁵ are CR², CR³, CR⁴, CR⁵, and CR⁶, respectively, R³, R⁵, and R⁶ are hydrogen, R⁴ is A, G is G¹, wherein R⁷ and R⁸ are H and R⁹ is haloalkylcarbonyl or optionally substituted arylcarbonyl, and R² is other than alkoxycarbonyl.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds represented by Formula II:

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, prodrugs and solvates thereof, wherein:

G is G¹ or G², wherein

G¹ is

and

G² is

m is 0, 1, 2, or 3;

p is 0, 1, 2, or 3;

R⁷ is selected from the group consisting of

a) —C(═O)NR¹⁰R¹¹, wherein R¹⁰ and R¹¹ are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, haloalkyl, haloalkoxyalkyl, aminoalkyl, alkylaminoalkyl, and dialkylaminoalkyl;

b) —C(═O)OR¹², wherein R¹² is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, haloalkyl, haloalkoxyalkyl, aminoalkyl, alkylaminoalkyl, and dialkylaminoalkyl;

c) —(CH₂)_(n)OR¹³, wherein n is 1-5 and R¹³ is hydrogen; and

d) hydrogen;

R⁸ and R⁹ are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, alkylsulfonyl, alkylsulfinyl, alkylcarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, haloalkyl, haloalkoxyalkyl, aminoalkyl, alkylaminoalkyl, and dialkylaminoalkyl; or

—NR⁸R⁹ is —NO₂; or

R⁹ is hydrogen, R⁷ is —(CH₂)_(n)OR¹³, R⁸ and R¹³ together form a bridge —C(═O)— to form a heterocyclic ring, and m is 1, 2 or 3;

R^(7a) is selected from the group consisting of

a) —(CH₂)_(q)OH, wherein q is 1-5;

b) —C(═O)OR^(12a), wherein R^(12a) is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, haloalkyl, haloalkoxyalkyl, aminoalkyl, alkylaminoalkyl, and dialkylaminoalkyl; and

c) hydrogen;

R^(8a) is hydrogen or a bond;

one of R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, and R⁶ is A, wherein

A is

wherein

A¹ is aryl or heteroaryl, any of which is optionally substituted;

X is —O—, —S—, —SO—, —SO₂—, —CH₂—, or —NH—; and

R¹⁴ and R¹⁵ are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, halogen, haloalkyl, hydroxyalkyl, hydroxy, nitro, amino, cyano, amide, carboxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, ureido, acylamino, thiol, acyloxy, azido, mercaptoalkyl, alkoxy, carboxy, and aminocarbonyl;

R¹, when not A, is hydrogen; and

R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, and R⁶, when not A, are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen; optionally substituted alkyl (such as, for example, (2-oxooxazolidin-4-yl)alkyl, —CH(OH)C(═O)NH₂, —CH(OH)CH₂OH, —CH₂CH(OH)CH₂OH, —CH(OH)CH₂NR¹⁸R¹⁹, —CH(NR¹⁸R¹⁹)CH₂OH, and CH₂CH(NR¹⁸R¹⁹)CH₂OH, where R¹⁸ and R¹⁹ are each independently hydrogen or C₁₋₆ alkyl), optionally substituted alkenyl, or optionally substituted alkynyl; halogen; hydroxy; cyano; amino; alkylamino; dialkylamino; alkoxy; aminocarbonyl; alkylaminocarbonyl; dialkylaminocarbonyl; alkylcarbonylamino; alkylcarbonyloxy; carboxy; aminosulfonyl; and alkylsulfonylamino.

In compounds of Formulae I and II, when any of R⁸, R⁹, R¹⁰, R¹¹, R^(7b), R^(8b), or R¹ is hydroxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, haloalkoxyalkyl, aminoalkyl, alkylaminoalkyl, or dialkylaminoalkyl, the alkyl portion of R⁸, R⁹, R¹⁰, R¹¹, R^(7b), R^(8b), or R¹ that is attached to the nitrogen atom includes at least two carbon atoms.

In one embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of Formula II, where R¹ is A, which Compounds of the Invention have the Formula III:

and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts, prodrugs, and solvates thereof, wherein A, G, and R²-R⁶ are as defined above for Formulae I or II.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of Formula II, where R² is A, which Compounds of the Invention have the Formula IV

and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts, prodrugs, and solvates thereof, wherein A, G, R¹, and R³-R⁶ are as defined above for Formulae I or II.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of Formula II, where R³ is A, which Compounds of the Invention have the Formula V:

and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts, prodrugs, and solvates thereof, wherein A, G, R′, R² and R⁴-R⁶ are as defined above for Formulae I or II.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of Formula II, where R⁴ is A, which Compounds of the Invention have the Formula VI:

and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts, prodrugs, and solvates thereof, wherein A, G, R¹-R³, R⁵, and R⁶ are as defined above for Formulae I or II.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of Formula II, where R⁵ is A, which Compounds of the Invention have the Formula VII:

and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts, prodrugs, and solvates thereof, wherein A, G, R¹-R⁴, and R⁶ are as defined above for Formulae I or II.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of Formula II, where R⁶ is A, which Compounds of the Invention have the Formula VIII:

and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts, prodrugs, and solvates thereof, wherein A, G, and R¹-R⁵ are as defined above for Formulae I or II.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of Formula II, where R¹ is A, and R², R³, R⁵ and R⁶ are hydrogen, which

Compounds of the Invention have the Formula IX:

and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts, prodrugs, and solvates thereof, wherein A, G, and R⁴ are as defined above for Formulae I or II.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of Formula II, where R¹ is hydrogen, and one of R²-R⁶ is A, and when not A, R²-R⁶ are hydrogen, which Compounds of the Invention have the Formula X:

and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts, prodrugs, and solvates thereof, wherein A and G are as defined above for Formulae I or II.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of Formula I, where R¹ is A; Z¹ is N; Z², Z³, Z⁴ and Z⁵ are CR³, CR⁴, CR⁵ and CR⁶, respectively; which Compounds of the Invention have the Formula XI:

wherein R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, and G are as defined above for Formula I, and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts, prodrugs, and solvates thereof.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of Formula I, where R¹ is A; Z² is N; Z¹, Z³, Z⁴ and Z⁵ are CR², CR⁴, CR⁵ and CR⁶, respectively; which Compounds of the Invention have the Formula XII:

wherein R², R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, and G are as defined above for Formula I, and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts, prodrugs, and solvates thereof.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of Formula I, where R¹ is A; Z⁴ is N; Z¹, Z², R³, and Z⁵ are CR², CR³, CR⁴, and CR⁶, respectively; which Compounds of the Invention have the Formula XIII:

wherein R², R³, R⁴, R⁶, and G are as defined above for Formula I, and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts, prodrugs, and solvates thereof.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of any of Formulae I-XIII, where G is G¹:

wherein m, R⁷, R⁸, and R⁹ are as defined above for Formulae I and II.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of any of Formulae I-XIII, wherein G is G¹, and where R⁷ in G¹ is —C(═O)NR¹⁰R¹¹, wherein R¹⁰ and R¹¹ are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, haloalkyl, haloalkoxyalkyl, aminoalkyl, alkylaminoalkyl, and dialkylaminoalkyl; preferably each of R¹⁰ and R¹¹ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₆ alkyl, hydroxy(C₂₋₆)alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy(C₂₋₆)alkyl, halo(C₁₋₆)alkyl, halo(C₁₋₄)alkoxy(C₂₋₆)alkyl, amino(C₂₋₆)alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkylamino(C₂₋₆)alkyl, and di(C₁₋₄ alkylamino(C₂₋₆)alkyl; and more preferably each of R¹⁰ and R¹¹ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₄ alkyl, hydroxy(C₂₋₄)alkyl, C₁₋₂ alkoxy(C₂₋₄)alkyl, halo(C₁₋₄)alkyl, halo(C₁₋₂)alkoxy(C₂₋₄)alkyl, amino(C₂₋₄)alkyl, C₁₋₂ alkylamino(C₂₋₄)alkyl, and di(C₁₋₂)alkylamino(C₂₋₄ alkyl. In one embodiment, R¹⁰ and R¹¹ both are hydrogen. In another embodiment, R¹⁰ is hydrogen and R¹¹ is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, haloalkyl, haloalkoxyalkyl, aminoalkyl, alkylaminoalkyl, and dialkylaminoalkyl; preferably R¹¹ is selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₆ alkyl, hydroxy(C₂₋₆)alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy-(C₂₋₆)alkyl, halo(C₁₋₆)alkyl, halo(C₁₋₄)alkoxy(C₂₋₆)alkyl, amino(C₂₋₆)alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkylamino(C₂₋₆)alkyl, and di(C₁₋₄)alkylamino(C₂₋₆)alkyl; and more preferably R¹¹ is selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₄ alkyl, hydroxy(C₂₋₄)alkyl, C₁₋₂ alkoxy-(C₂₋₄)alkyl, halo(C₁₋₄)alkyl, halo(C₁₋₂)alkoxy(C₂₋₄)alkyl, amino(C₂₋₄)alkyl, C₁₋₂ alkylamino(C₂₋₄)alkyl, and di(C₁₋₂)alkylamino(C₂₋₄)alkyl. In one embodiment, R¹¹ is methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, tert-butyl, 2-hydroxyethyl, 3-hydroxypropyl, 4-hydroxybutyl, 1,2-dihydroxyethyl, 2,3-dihydroxypropyl, 2-methoxyethyl, 3-methoxypropyl, trifluoromethyl, trifluoroethyl, 2-(trifluoromethoxy)ethyl, 2-aminoethyl, 2-(methylamino)ethyl, or 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl. In one embodiment, R¹⁰ is hydrogen and R¹¹ is hydroxyalkyl, such as hydroxy(C₂₋₄)alkyl, e.g., 2-hydroxyethyl.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of any of Formulae I-XIII, wherein G is G¹, and where R⁷ in G¹ is —C(═O)OR¹², wherein R¹² is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, haloalkyl, haloalkoxyalkyl, aminoalkyl, alkylaminoalkyl, and dialkylaminoalkyl; preferably R¹² is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₆ alkyl, hydroxy(C₁₋₆)alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy(C₁₋₆)alkyl, halo(C₁₋₆)alkyl, halo(C₁₋₄)alkoxy(C₁₋₆)alkyl, amino(C₁₋₆)alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkylamino(C₁₋₆)alkyl, and di(C₁₋₄)alkylamino(C₁₋₆)alkyl; and more preferably R¹² is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₄ alkyl, hydroxy(C₁₋₄)alkyl, C₁₋₂ alkoxy(C₁₋₄)alkyl, halo(C₁₋₄)alkyl, halo(C₁₋₂)alkoxy(C₁₋₄)alkyl, amino(C₁₋₄)alkyl, C₁₋₂ alkylamino(C₁₋₄)alkyl, and di(C₁₋₂)alkylamino(C₁₋₄)alkyl. In one embodiment, R¹² is methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, tert-butyl, hydroxymethyl, 2-hydroxyethyl, 3-hydroxypropyl, 4-hydroxybutyl, 1,2-dihydroxyethyl, 2,3-dihydroxypropyl, methoxymethyl, 2-methoxyethyl, 3-methoxypropyl, ethoxymethyl, trifluoromethyl, 2-trifluoroethyl, trifluoromethoxymethyl, trifluoroethoxymethyl, aminomethyl, 2-aminoethyl, methylaminomethyl, 2-(methylamino)ethyl, dimethylaminomethyl, or 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl. Typically, R¹² is hydrogen or alkyl, and more preferably hydrogen or C₁₋₄ alkyl, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, iso-propyl, butyl, or tert-butyl.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of any of Formulae I-XIII, wherein G is G¹, and where R⁷ in G¹ is —(CH₂)_(n)OR¹³, wherein n is 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 and R¹³ is hydrogen. Preferably, n is 1, 2, or 3, and more preferably 1 or 2.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of any of Formulae I-XIII, wherein G is G¹, and where R⁷ in G¹ is hydrogen.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of any of Formulae wherein G is G¹, and where R⁸ and R⁹ are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, alkylsulfonyl, alkylsulfinyl, alkylcarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, haloalkyl, haloalkoxyalkyl, aminoalkyl, alkylaminoalkyl, dialkylaminoalkyl, hydroxy, haloalkylcarbonyl, and optionally substituted arylcarbonyl. In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of any of Formulae wherein G is G¹, and where R⁸ and R⁹ are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, alkylsulfonyl, alkylsulfinyl, alkylcarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, haloalkyl, haloalkoxyalkyl, aminoalkyl, alkylaminoalkyl, and dialkylaminoalkyl. Useful compounds of the present invention include compounds of any of Formulae I-XIII, where R⁸ and R⁹ are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkylsulfonyl, C₁₋₆ alkylsulfinyl, C₁₋₆ alkylcarbonyl, C₁₋₆ alkoxycarbonyl, hydroxy(C₂₋₆)alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy(C₂₋₆)alkyl, halo(C₁₋₆)alkyl, halo(C₁₋₄)alkoxy(C₂₋₆)alkyl, amino(C₂₋₆)alkyl, alkylamino(C₂₋₆)alkyl, and di(C₁₋₄)alkylamino(C₂₋₆)alkyl; preferably each of R⁸ and R⁹ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkylsulfonyl, C₁₋₄ alkylsulfinyl, C₁₋₄ alkylcarbonyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxycarbonyl, hydroxy(C₂₋₄)alkyl, C₁₋₂ alkoxy(C₂₋₄)alkyl, halo(C₁₋₄)alkyl, halo(C₁₋₂)alkoxy(C₂₋₄)alkyl, amino(C₂₋₄)alkyl, C₁₋₂ alkylamino(C₂₋₄)alkyl, and di(C₁₋₂)alkylamino(C₂₋₄)alkyl; and typically each of R⁸ and R⁹ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₄ methyl, C₁₋₄ alkylsulfonyl, and C₁₋₄ alkoxycarbonyl. Useful compounds include those where R⁸ and R⁹ are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, tert-butyl, methylsulfonyl, ethylsulfonyl, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, propoxycarbonyl, and tert-butoxycarbonyl. In one embodiment, R⁸ and R⁹ and both hydrogen. In another embodiment, R⁸ is hydrogen, and R⁹ is C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkylsulfonyl, C₁₋₆ alkylsulfinyl, C₁₋₆ alkylcarbonyl, C₁₋₆ alkoxycarbonyl, hydroxy(C₂₋₆)alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy(C₂₋₆)alkyl, halo(C₁₋₆)alkyl, halo(C₁₋₄)alkoxy(C₂₋₆)alkyl, amino(C₂₋₆)alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkylamino(C₂₋₆)alkyl, or di(C₁₋₄)alkylamino(C₂₋₆)alkyl; preferably R⁹ is C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkylsulfonyl, C₁₋₄ alkylsulfinyl, C₁₋₄ alkylcarbonyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxycarbonyl, hydroxy(C₂₋₄)alkyl, C₁₋₂ alkoxy(C₂₋₄)alkyl, halo(C₁₋₄)alkyl, halo(C₁₋₂)alkoxy(C₂₋₄)alkyl, amino(C₂₋₄)alkyl, C₁₋₂ alkylamino(C₂₋₄)alkyl, or di(C₁₋₂)alkylamino(C₂₋₄)alkyl; more preferably R⁹ is C₁₋₄ methyl, C₁₋₄ alkylsulfonyl, and C₁₋₄ alkoxycarbonyl; and typically R⁹ is methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, tert-butyl, methylsulfonyl, ethylsulfonyl, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, propoxycarbonyl, and tert-butoxycarbonyl.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of any of Formulae I-XIII, wherein G is G¹, and where —NR⁸R⁹ is —NO₂.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of any of Formulae I-XIII, where G is G¹, R⁷ is —(CH₂)_(n)OR¹³, n is 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, m is 1, 2, or 3, R⁹ is hydrogen and R⁸ and R¹³ together form a bridge —C(═O)— to form a heterocyclic ring. Preferably, n is 1, 2, or 3, and more preferably n is 1. In this embodiment, useful compounds include those where m is 1 or 2, and preferably 1. In one embodiment, G¹ is (2-oxooxazolidin-4-yl)C₁₋₃ alkyl, and typically (2-oxooxazolidin-4-)methyl.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of any of Formulae I-XIII, where m is 1 or 2. Typically, m is 1.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of any of Formulae I-XIII, wherein G is G¹, and where G¹ is selected from the group consisting of

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of any of Formulae I-XIII, wherein G is G¹, and where G¹ is selected from the group consisting of

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of any of Formulae I-XIII, wherein G is G¹, and where G¹ is selected from the group consisting of

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of any of Formulae I-XIII, where G is G¹ and R⁷ is hydrogen. In this embodiment, useful compounds include compounds of any of Formulae I-XIII where G¹ is

In this embodiment, when G¹ is

A is A″, R³, R⁴, R⁵, and R⁶ is hydrogen, R¹ is A, R¹⁴ and R¹⁵ are both hydrogen then at least one of R¹⁶ or R¹⁷ is selected from alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, halogen, haloalkyl, hydroxyalkyl, hydroxy, nitro, amino, cyano, amide, carboxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, ureido, acylamino, thiol, acyloxy, azido, alkoxy, carboxy, and aminocarbonyl.

-   R¹ is A″, and Z¹, Z², Z³, Z⁴, and Z⁵ are CR², CR³, CR⁴, CR⁵, and     CR⁶, respectively, then preferably at least one of R², R³, R⁴, R⁵,     and R⁶ is other than hydrogen, and preferably selected from the     group consisting of carboxy, aminocarbonyl, amino, aminosulfonyl,     methylsulfonylamino, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl,     (2-oxooxazolidin-4-yl)methyl, (2-oxooxazolidin-4-yl)ethyl,     —CH(OH)C(═O)NH₂, —CH(OH)CH₂OH, —CH₂CH(OH)CH₂OH, —CH(OH)CH₂NR¹⁸R¹⁹,     —CH(NR¹⁸R¹⁹)CH₂OH, and —CH₂CH(NR¹⁸R¹⁹)CH₂OH, where R¹⁸ and R¹⁹ are     each independently hydrogen or C₁₋₆ alkyl. Typically, in this     embodiment, R², R³, R⁵, and R⁶ are each hydrogen, and R⁴ is selected     from the group consisting of carboxy, aminocarbonyl, amino,     aminosulfonyl, methylsulfonylamino, methyl, ethyl, propyl,     isopropyl, butyl, (2-oxooxazolidin-4-yl)methyl,     (2-oxooxazolidin-4-yl)ethyl, —CH(OH)C(═O)NH₂, —CH(OH)CH₂OH,     —CH₂CH(OH)CH₂OH, —CH(OH)CH₂NR¹⁸R¹⁹, —CH(NR¹⁸R¹⁹)CH₂OH, and     —CH₂CH(NR¹⁸R¹⁹)CH₂OH, where R¹⁸ and R¹⁹ are each independently     hydrogen or C₁₋₆ alkyl.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of any of Formulae I-XIII, where G is G²:

wherein p, R^(7a), and R^(8a) are as defined above for Formula I.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of any of Formulae I-XIII, wherein G is G², and where R^(7a) in G² is —(CH₂)_(q)OH, wherein q is 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5. Typically, q is 1, 2, or 3. More typically, q is 1 or 2, and specifically q is 1.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of any of Formulae wherein G is G², and where R^(7a) in G² is —C(═O)OR^(12a), wherein R^(12a) is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, haloalkyl, haloalkoxyalkyl, aminoalkyl, alkylaminoalkyl, and dialkylaminoalkyl; preferably R^(12a) is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₆ alkyl, hydroxy(C₁₋₆)alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy(C₁₋₆)alkyl, halo(C₁₋₆)alkyl, halo(C₁₋₄)alkoxy(C₁₋₆)alkyl, amino(C₁₋₆)alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkylamino(C₁₋₆)alkyl, and di(C₁₋₄)alkylamino(C₁₋₆)alkyl; and more preferably R^(12a) is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₄ alkyl, hydroxy(C₁₋₄)alkyl, C₁₋₂ alkoxy(C₁₋₄)alkyl, halo(C₁₋₄)alkyl, halo(C₁₋₂)alkoxy(C₁₋₄)alkyl, amino(C₁₋₄)alkyl, C₁₋₂ alkylamino-(C₁₋₄)alkyl, and di(C₁₋₂)alkylamino(C₁₋₄)alkyl. In one embodiment, R^(12a) is methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, tert-butyl, hydroxymethyl, 2-hydroxyethyl, 3-hydroxypropyl, 4-hydroxybutyl, 1,2-dihydroxyethyl, 2,3-dihydroxypropyl, methoxymethyl, 2-methoxyethyl, 3-methoxypropyl, ethoxymethyl, trifluoromethyl, 2-trifluoroethyl, trifluoromethoxymethyl, trifluoroethoxymethyl, aminomethyl, 2-aminoethyl, methylaminomethyl, 2-(methylamino)ethyl, dimethylaminomethyl, or 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl. Typically, R^(12a) is hydrogen or alkyl, and more preferably hydrogen or C₁₋₄ alkyl, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, iso-propyl, butyl, or tert-butyl.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of any of Formulae I-XIII, wherein G is G², and where R^(7a) in G² is hydrogen.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of any of Formulae I-XIII, wherein G is G², and where R^(8a) in G² is hydrogen.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of any of Formulae I-XIII, wherein G is G², and where R^(8a) in G² is a bond (—OR^(8a) is ═O).

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of any of Formulae I-XIII, wherein G is G², and where G² is selected from the group consisting of

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of any of Formulae I-XIII, wherein G is G², and where G² is selected from the group consisting of

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of any of Formulae I-XIII, wherein G is G², and where G² is selected from the group consisting of

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of any of Formulae I-XIII, wherein G is G², and where G² is —C(═O)—C(═O)—OH.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of any of Formulae I-XIII, where G is G³:

wherein R^(7b), R^(8b), R^(9b), r, and s are as defined above for Formula I.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of any of Formulae I-XIII, where G is G³ and r in G³ is 0.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of any of Formulae I-XIII, where G is G³, and r in G³ is 1 and R^(9b) is as defined above for Formula I. In one embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of any of Formulae I-XIII, where G is G³, r is 1 and R^(9b) is hydrogen. In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of any of Formulae I-XIII, where R^(9b) is alkyl, haloalkyl, haloalkoxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, cyanoalkyl, or hydroxyalkyl. In this embodiment, useful compounds of the present invention include those where R^(9b) is C₁₋₆ alkyl, halo(C₁₋₆)alkyl, halo(C₁₋₄)alkoxy(C₁₋₆)alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy(C₁₋₆)alkyl, cyano(C₁₋₆)alkyl, or hydroxy(C₁₋₆)alkyl; preferably C₁₋₄ alkyl, halo(C₁₋₄)alkyl, halo(C₁₋₂)alkoxy(C₁₋₄)alkyl, C₁₋₂ alkoxy(C₁₋₄)alkyl, cyano(C₁₋₄)alkyl, or hydroxy(C₁₋₄)alkyl; and typically R^(9b) is methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, tert-butyl, fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl, 3,3,3-trifluoropropyl, trichloromethyl, trifluoromethoxymethyl, trifluoroethoxymethyl, methoxymethyl, 2-methoxyethyl, 3-methoxypropyl, ethoxymethyl, cyanomethyl, 2-cyanoethyl, 3-cyanopropyl, hydroxymethyl, 2-hydroxyethyl, 3-hydroxypropyl, 4-hydroxybutyl, 1,2-dihydroxyethyl, or 2,3-dihydroxypropyl. Typically, R^(9b) is hydrogen or haloalkyl, and more preferably hydrogen or halo(C₁₋₄)alkyl, such as fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl, 3,3,3-trifluoropropyl, and trichloromethyl; and more preferably hydrogen or trifluoromethyl.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of any of Formulae I-XIII, where G is G³ and s in G³ is 1.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of any of Formulae I-XIII, where G is G³ and s in G³ is 2.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of any of Formulae I-XIII, where G is G³ and r in G³ is 0 and s is 1.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of any of Formulae I-XIII, where G is G³ and r in G³ is 0 and s is 2.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of any of Formulae I-XIII, where G is G³ and r in G³ is 1 and s is 1.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of any of Formulae I-XIII, where G is G³ and R^(7b) and R^(8b) are both hydrogen.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of any of Formulae I-XIII, where G is G³, R^(7b) in G³ is hydrogen and R^(8b) is alkyl, alkylsulfonyl, alkylsulfinyl, alkylcarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, haloalkyl, haloalkoxyalkyl, aminoalkyl, alkylaminoalkyl, dialkylaminoalkyl, hydroxy, haloalkylcarbonyl, or optionally substituted arylcarbonyl; preferably R^(8b) is C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkylsulfonyl, C₁₋₆ alkylsulfinyl, C₁₋₆ alkylcarbonyl, C₁₋₆ alkoxycarbonyl, hydroxy(C₂₋₆)alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkoxy(C₂₋₆)alkyl, halo(C₁₋₆)alkyl, halo(C₁₋₄)alkoxy(C₂₋₆)alkyl, amino(C₂₋₆)alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkylamino(C₂₋₆)alkyl, di(C₁₋₄)alkylamino(C₂₋₆)alkyl, hydroxy, halo(C₁₋₄)alkylcarbonyl, or optionally substituted benzoyl; more preferably R^(8b) is C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkylsulfonyl, C₁₋₄ alkylsulfinyl, C₁₋₄ alkylcarbonyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxycarbonyl, hydroxy(C₂₋₆)alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy(C₂₋₆)alkyl, halo(C₁₋₄)alkyl, halo(C₁₋₂)alkoxy(C₂₋₄)alkyl, amino(C₂₋₄)alkyl, C₁₋₂ alkylamino(C₂₋₄)alkyl, di(C₁₋₂)alkylamino(C₂₋₄)alkyl, hydroxy, halo(C₁₋₄)alkylcarbonyl, or benzoyl optionally substituted with 1 or 2 substituents independently selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₄ alkyl, halogen, halo(C₁₋₄)alkyl, hydroxy(C₁₋₄)alkyl, hydroxy, nitro, amino, cyano, and C₁₋₄ alkoxy.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of any of Formulae I-XIII, where G is G³, and R^(7b) and R^(8b) in G³ are each independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkylsulfonyl, alkylsulfinyl, alkylcarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, haloalkyl, haloalkoxyalkyl, aminoalkyl, alkylaminoalkyl, dialkylaminoalkyl, hydroxy, haloalkylcarbonyl, and optionally substituted arylcarbonyl; preferably R^(7b) and R^(8b) are each independently selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkylsulfonyl, C₁₋₆ alkylsulfinyl, C₁₋₆ alkylcarbonyl, C₁₋₆ alkoxycarbonyl, hydroxy(C₂₋₆)alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkoxy(C₂₋₆)alkyl, halo(C₁₋₆)alkyl, halo(C₁₋₄)alkoxy(C₂₋₆)alkyl, amino(C₂₋₆)alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkylamino(C₂₋₆)alkyl, di(C₁₋₄)alkylamino(C₂₋₆)alkyl, hydroxy, halo(C₁₋₄)alkylcarbonyl, and optionally substituted benzoyl; and typically R^(7b) and R^(8b) are each independently selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkylsulfonyl, C₁₋₄ alkylsulfinyl, C₁₋₄ alkylcarbonyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxycarbonyl, hydroxy(C₂₋₄)alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy(C₂₋₄)alkyl, halo(C₁₋₄)alkyl, halo(C₁₋₂)alkoxy(C₂₋₄)alkyl, amino(C₂₋₄)alkyl, C₁₋₂ alkylamino(C₂₋₄)alkyl, di(C₁₋₂)alkylamino(C₂₋₄)alkyl, hydroxy, halo(C₁₋₂)alkylcarbonyl, and benzoyl optionally substituted with 1 or 2 substituents independently selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₄ alkyl, halogen, halo(C₁₋₄)alkyl, hydroxy(C₁₋₄)alkyl, hydroxy, nitro, amino, cyano, and C₁₋₄ alkoxy.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of any of Formulae I-XIII, wherein G is G³, and where r is 0, s is 1 or 2, R^(7b) is hydrogen and R^(8b) is hydrogen, hydroxy, or hydroxyalkyl; preferably R^(8b) is hydrogen, hydroxy, or hydroxy(C₂₋₄)alkyl; more preferably R^(8b) is hydrogen, hydroxy, 2-hydroxyethyl, 3-hydroxypropyl, 4-hydroxybutyl, 1,2-dihydroxyethyl, 2,3-dihydroxypropyl, 3,4-dihydroxybutyl, or 2,4-dihydroxybutyl. In this embodiment, R^(8b) is typically hydrogen, hydroxy, 2-hydroxyethyl, or 2,3-dihydroxypropyl.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of any of Formulae I-XIII, wherein G is G³, and where r is 1, s is 1, R^(9b) is hydrogen, R^(7b) is hydrogen and R^(8b) is hydrogen, hydroxy, or hydroxyalkyl; preferably R^(8b) is hydrogen, hydroxy, or hydroxy(C₂₋₄)alkyl; more preferably R^(8b) is hydrogen, hydroxy, 2-hydroxyethyl, 3-hydroxypropyl, 4-hydroxybutyl, 1,2-dihydroxyethyl, 2,3-dihydroxypropyl, 3,4-dihydroxybutyl, or 2,4-dihydroxybutyl. In this embodiment, R^(8b) is typically hydrogen, hydroxy, 2-hydroxyethyl, or 2,3-dihydroxypropyl.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of any of Formulae I-XIII, wherein G is G³, and where r is 1, s is 1, R^(9b) is haloalkyl or haloalkoxyalkyl, R^(7b) is hydrogen and R^(8b) is hydrogen, hydroxy, or hydroxyalkyl; preferably R^(8b) is hydrogen, hydroxy, or hydroxy(C₂₋₄)alkyl; more preferably R^(8b) is hydrogen, hydroxy, 2-hydroxyethyl, 3-hydroxypropyl, 4-hydroxybutyl, 1,2-dihydroxyethyl, 2,3-dihydroxypropyl, 3,4-dihydroxybutyl, or 2,4-dihydroxybutyl. In this embodiment, R^(8b) is typically hydrogen. In this embodiment, R^(9b) is preferably halo(C₁₋₆)alkyl or halo(C₁₋₄)alkoxy(C₁₋₆)alkyl; more preferably R^(9b) is halo(C₁₋₄)alkyl or halo(C₁₋₂)alkoxy(C₁₋₄)alkyl; and more preferably R^(9b) is fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl, 3,3,3-trifluoropropyl, trichloromethyl, trifluoromethoxymethyl, or trifluoroethoxymethyl; and typically R^(9b) is trifluoromethyl or trichloromethyl, and advantageously trifluoromethyl.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of any of Formulae I-XIII where G is G³, and where G³ is selected from the group consisting of

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of any of Formulae I-XIII where G is G³, and where G³ is selected from the group consisting of

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of any of Formulae I-XIII where G is G³, and where G³ is selected from the group consisting of

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of any of Formulae I-XIII where G is G³, and where G³ is selected from the group consisting of

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of any of Formulae I-XIII, where A¹ is an optionally substituted heteroaryl.

In one embodiment, A¹ is a 5-6 membered heteroaryl ring having at least one nitrogen atom. Typical heteroaryl groups for A¹ include 6-membered heteroaryl groups having at least one nitrogen atom, such as pyridyl (pyridin-2-yl, pyridin-3-yl, or pyridin-4-yl), pyrimidinyl (pyrimidin-2-yl, pyrimidin-4-yl, pyrimidin-5-yl, or pyrimidin-6-yl), pyridazinyl (pyridazin-3-yl, pyridazin-4-yl, pyridazin-5-yl, or pyridazin-6-yl), and pyrazinyl (pyrazin-2-yl or pyrazin-3-yl). Typically, the heteroaryl group is optionally substituted with 1 or 2 substituents. Typical optional substituents include alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, halogen, haloalkyl, hydroxyalkyl, hydroxy, nitro, amino, cyano, amide, carboxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, ureido, acylamino, thiol, acyloxy, azido, mercaptoalkyl, alkoxy, carboxy, and aminocarbonyl; preferably C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₂₋₆ alkenyl, C₂₋₆ alkynyl, halogen, halo(C₁₋₆)alkyl, hydroxy(C₁₋₆)alkyl, hydroxy, nitro, amino, cyano, amide, carboxy(C₁₋₆)alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy(C₁₋₆)alkyl, ureido, C₁₋₆ acylamino, thiol, C₁₋₆ acyloxy, azido, mercapto(C₁₋₆)alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkoxy, carboxy, and aminocarbonyl; and more preferably C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₂₋₄ alkenyl, C₂₋₄ alkynyl, halogen, halo(C₁₋₄)alkyl, hydroxy(C₁₋₄)alkyl, hydroxy, nitro, amino, cyano, amide, carboxy(C₁₋₄)alkyl, C₁₋₂ alkoxy(C₁₋₄)alkyl, ureido, C₁₋₄ acylamino, thiol, C₁₋₄ acyloxy, azido, mercapto(C₁₋₄)alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, carboxy, and aminocarbonyl. Typically, the 1 or 2 substituents are each independently selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₄ alkyl, halogen, halo(C₁₋₄)alkyl, hydroxy(C₁₋₄)alkyl, hydroxy, nitro, amino, cyano, and C₁₋₄ alkoxy, and more typically are each independently selected from the group consisting of fluoro, bromo, trifluoromethyl, and cyano. In one embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of any of Formulae I-XIII, where A¹ is unsubstituted or substituted pyridyl, such as pyridin-2-yl, pyridin-3-yl, or pyridin-4-yl. In one embodiment, A¹ is pyridin-2-yl, pyridin-3-yl or pyridin-4-yl optionally substituted with 1 or 2 substituents each independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl (for example, C₁₋₄ alkyl, such as methyl or ethyl), haloalkyl (for example, halo(C₁₋₄)alkyl, such as trifluoromethyl) and halogen. In another embodiment, A¹ is pyridin-2-yl substituted at the 5-position. In this embodiment, the substituent is typically halogen, cyano, or haloalkyl, such as trihaloalkyl, and specifically trifluoromethyl.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of any of Formulae I-XIII, where A¹ is an optionally substituted aryl. In one embodiment, A¹ is unsubstituted phenyl. In another embodiment, A¹ is phenyl substituted with 1, 2, or 3 substituents each independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, halogen, haloalkyl, hydroxyalkyl, hydroxy, nitro, amino, cyano, amide, carboxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, ureido, acylamino, thiol, acyloxy, azido, mercaptoalkyl, alkoxy, carboxy, and aminocarbonyl; preferably each substituent is independently selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₂₋₆ alkenyl, C₂₋₆ alkynyl, halogen, halo(C₁₋₆)alkyl, hydroxy(C₁₋₆)alkyl, hydroxy, nitro, amino, cyano, amide, carboxy(C₁₋₆)alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy(C₁₋₆)alkyl, ureido, C₁₋₆ acylamino, thiol, C₁₋₆ acyloxy, azido, mercapto(C₁₋₆)alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkoxy, carboxy, and aminocarbonyl; and more preferably each substituent is independently selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₂₋₄ alkenyl, C₂₋₄ alkynyl, halogen, halo(C₁₋₄)alkyl, hydroxy(C₁₋₄)alkyl, hydroxy, nitro, amino, cyano, amide, carboxy(C₁₋₄)alkyl, C₁₋₂ alkoxy(C₁₋₄)alkyl, ureido, C₁₋₄ acylamino, thiol, C₁₋₄ acyloxy, azido, mercapto(C₁₋₄)alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, carboxy, and aminocarbonyl. Typically, the 1, 2, or 3 substituents are each independently selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₄ alkyl, halogen, halo(C₁₋₄)alkyl, hydroxy(C₁₋₄)alkyl, hydroxy, nitro, amino, cyano, and C₁₋₄ alkoxy, and more typically are each independently selected from the group consisting of fluoro, bromo, trifluoromethyl, and cyano. In one embodiment, A¹ is phenyl substituted at the 4-position. In this embodiment, the substituent is typically halogen, cyano, or haloalkyl, such as trihaloalkyl, and specifically trifluoromethyl. In another embodiment, A¹ is phenyl substituted with two substituents, which can be the same or different, at the 3- and 4-positions. In this embodiment, the two substituents are independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, cyano and haloalkyl (such as trihaloalkyl, and specifically trifluoromethyl). In another embodiment, A¹ is phenyl substituted with cyano and trifluoromethyl at the 3- and 4-positions of the phenyl group, respectively.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of any of Formulae I-XIII, where X is —O—, —S—, or —SO₂—. Typical compounds of the present invention include those where X is —O— or —S—. In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are those where X is —O—.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of any of Formulae I-XIII, where X is —NR²⁷—, wherein R²⁷ is hydrogen or alkyl, preferably hydrogen or C₁₋₄ alkyl, and typically hydrogen or methyl.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of any of Formulae I-XIII, where X is —N(R²⁸)SO₂— or —SO₂N(R²⁹)—, where R²⁸ and R²⁹ are as defined above for Formula I. In one embodiment, X is —N(R²⁸)SO₂—. In another embodiment, X is —SO₂N(R²⁹)—. Preferably, R²⁸ and R²⁹ are each independently hydrogen or C₁₋₄ alkyl, and typically hydrogen or methyl.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of any of Formulae where A is A′ having the structure:

wherein X is —O—, —S—, —SO—, —SO₂—, —CH₂—, —NR²⁷—, —N(R²⁸)SO₂— or —SO₂N(R²⁹)—, where R²⁷, R²⁸, and R²⁹ are each independently hydrogen or alkyl; and R¹⁴, R¹⁵, R¹⁶, and R¹⁷ are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, halogen, haloalkyl, hydroxyalkyl, hydroxy, nitro, amino, cyano, amide, carboxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, ureido, acylamino, thiol, acyloxy, azido, mercaptoalkyl, alkoxy, carboxy, and aminocarbonyl; preferably each of R¹⁴, R¹⁵, R¹⁶, and R¹⁷ is independently selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₂₋₆ alkenyl, C₂₋₆ alkynyl, halogen, halo(C₁₋₆)alkyl, hydroxy(C₁₋₆)alkyl, hydroxy, nitro, amino, cyano, amide, carboxy(C₁₋₆)alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy(C₁₋₆)alkyl, ureido, C₁₋₆ acylamino, thiol, C₁₋₆ acyloxy, azido, mercapto(C₁₋₆)alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkoxy, carboxy, and aminocarbonyl; and more preferably each of R¹⁴, R¹⁵, R¹⁶, and R¹⁷ is independently selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₂₋₄ alkenyl, C₂₋₄ alkynyl, halogen, halo(C₁₋₄)alkyl, hydroxy(C₁₋₄)alkyl, hydroxy, nitro, amino, cyano, amide, carboxy(C₁₋₄)alkyl, C₁₋₂ alkoxy(C₁₋₄)alkyl, ureido, C₁₋₄ acylamino, thiol, C₁₋₄ acyloxy, azido, mercapto(C₁₋₄)alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, carboxy, and aminocarbonyl. Typically, R¹⁴, R¹⁵, R¹⁶ and R¹⁷ are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₄ alkyl, halogen, halo(C₁₋₄)alkyl, hydroxy(C₁₋₄)alkyl, hydroxy, nitro, amino, cyano, and C₁₋₄ alkoxy. More typically, R¹⁴, R¹⁵, R¹⁶ and R¹⁷ are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, fluoro, bromo, trifluoromethyl, and cyano. In this aspect of the invention, compounds useful in the present invention are those where X is —O— or —S—. In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of any of Formulae I-XIII, wherein A is A′, X is —O—, —S—, —SO—, —SO₂—, —CH₂—, or —NH—, and R¹⁴, R¹⁵, R¹⁶ and R¹⁷ are as defined above. In another embodiment, X in A′ is —NR²⁷—, and typically —NH—. In another embodiment, X in A′ is —N(R²⁸)SO₂— or —SO₂N(R²⁹)—, and preferably —N(R²⁸)SO₂—, where R²⁸ is hydrogen or C₁₋₄ alkyl, and preferably hydrogen or methyl.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of Formula I, where A is A″ having the structure:

wherein R¹⁴, R¹⁵, R¹⁶, and R¹⁷ are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, halogen, haloalkyl, hydroxyalkyl, hydroxy, nitro, amino, cyano, amide, carboxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, ureido, acylamino, thiol, acyloxy, azido, mercaptoalkyl, alkoxy, carboxy, and aminocarbonyl; preferably each of R¹⁴, R¹⁵, R¹⁶, and R¹⁷ is independently selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₂₋₆ alkenyl, C₂₋₆ alkynyl, halogen, halo(C₁₋₆)alkyl, hydroxy(C₁₋₆)alkyl, hydroxy, nitro, amino, cyano, amide, carboxy(C₁₋₆)alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy(C₁₋₆)alkyl, ureido, C₁₋₆ acylamino, thiol, acyloxy, azido, mercapto(C₁₋₆)alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkoxy, carboxy, and aminocarbonyl; and more preferably each of R¹⁴, R¹⁵, R¹⁶, and R¹⁷ is independently selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₂₋₄ alkenyl, C₂₋₄ alkynyl, halogen, halo(C₁₋₄)alkyl, hydroxy(C₁₋₄)alkyl, hydroxy, nitro, amino, cyano, amide, carboxy(C₁₋₄)alkyl, C₁₋₂ alkoxy(C₁₋₄)alkyl, ureido, C₁₋₄ acylamino, thiol, C₁₋₄ acyloxy, azido, mercapto(C₁₋₄)alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, carboxy, and aminocarbonyl. Typically, R¹⁴, R¹⁵, R¹⁶ and R¹⁷ are as defined above for A′.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of Formula I, where R¹ is A″ and R²-R⁶ are hydrogen, which Compounds of the Invention have the Formula XIV:

and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts, prodrugs, and solvates thereof, wherein R¹⁰ and R¹¹ are as defined above for Formula I, and R¹⁴, R¹⁵, R¹⁶, and R¹⁷ are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, halogen, haloalkyl, hydroxyalkyl, hydroxy, nitro, amino, cyano, amide, carboxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, ureido, acylamino, thiol, acyloxy, azido, mercaptoalkyl, alkoxy, carboxy, and aminocarbonyl. Preferable definitions for R¹⁰, R¹¹, R¹⁴, R¹⁵, R¹⁶ and R¹⁷ are those described above.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of Formula I, where R¹ is H, one of R²-R⁶ is A″, and R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, or R⁶, when not A″, is hydrogen, which Compounds of the Invention have the Formula XV:

and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts, prodrugs, and solvates thereof, wherein R¹⁰ and R¹¹ are as defined above for Formula I, and R¹⁴, R¹⁵, R¹⁶ and R′⁷ are as defined above for Formula XIV. Preferable definitions for R¹⁰, R¹¹, R¹⁴, R¹⁵, R¹⁶ and R¹⁷ are those described above.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of Formula I, where R¹ is A″, and R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, and R⁶ are each hydrogen, which Compounds of the Invention have the Formula XVI:

and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts, prodrugs, and solvates thereof, wherein R¹⁴, R¹⁵, R¹⁶ and R¹⁷ are as defined above for Formula XIV. Preferable definitions for R¹⁴, R¹⁵, R¹⁶ and R¹⁷ are those described above.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of Formula I, where R¹ is H, one of R²-R⁶ is A″, and R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, or R⁶, when not A″, is hydrogen, which Compounds of the Invention have the Formula XVII:

and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts, prodrugs, and solvates thereof, wherein R¹⁴, R¹⁵, R¹⁶ and R¹⁷ are as defined above for Formula XIV. Preferable definitions for R¹⁴, R¹⁵, R¹⁶ and R¹⁷ are those described above.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of Formula I, where R¹ is A″ and R²-R⁶ are hydrogen, which Compounds of the Invention have the Formula XVIII:

and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts, prodrugs, and solvates thereof, wherein R¹⁴, R¹⁵, R¹⁶, and R¹⁷ are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, halogen, haloalkyl, hydroxyalkyl, hydroxy, nitro, amino, cyano, amide, carboxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, ureido, acylamino, thiol, acyloxy, azido, mercaptoalkyl, alkoxy, carboxy, and aminocarbonyl.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of Formula I, where R¹ is A″ and R²-R⁶ are hydrogen, which Compounds of the Invention have the Formula XIX:

and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts, prodrugs, and solvates thereof, wherein R¹⁴, R¹⁵, R¹⁶, and R⁷ are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, halogen, haloalkyl, hydroxyalkyl, hydroxy, nitro, amino, cyano, amide, carboxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, ureido, acylamino, thiol, acyloxy, azido, mercaptoalkyl, alkoxy, carboxy, and aminocarbonyl.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention include those of any of Formulae XIV-XIX, where R¹⁴ and R¹⁵ are both hydrogen and R¹⁶ and R¹⁷ are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, halogen, haloalkyl, hydroxyalkyl (including monohydroxyalkyl and dihydroxyalkyl), hydroxy, nitro, amino, cyano, amide, carboxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, ureido, acylamino, thiol, acyloxy, azido, mercaptoalkyl, alkoxy, carboxy, and aminocarbonyl. Typically, R¹⁶ and R¹⁷ are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₄ alkyl, halogen, halo(C₁₋₄)alkyl, hydroxy(C₁₋₄)alkyl, hydroxy, nitro, amino, cyano, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, and carboxy, and more typically R¹⁶ and R¹⁷ are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, fluoro, bromo, trifluoromethyl, and cyano. In one embodiment, R¹⁴, R¹⁵, R¹⁶, and R¹⁷ each are hydrogen. In one embodiment, R¹⁴, R¹⁵ and R¹⁶ are hydrogen and R¹⁷ is alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, halogen, haloalkyl, hydroxyalkyl, hydroxy, nitro, amino, cyano, amide, carboxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, ureido, acylamino, thiol, acyloxy, azido, mercaptoalkyl, alkoxy, carboxy, or aminocarbonyl; preferably R¹⁷ is C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₂₋₆ alkenyl, C₂₋₆ alkynyl, halogen, halo(C₁₋₆)alkyl, hydroxy(C₁₋₆)alkyl, hydroxy, nitro, amino, cyano, amide, carboxy(C₁₋₆)alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy(C₁₋₆)alkyl, ureido, C₁₋₆ acylamino, thiol, C₁₋₆ acyloxy, azido, mercapto(C₁₋₆)alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkoxy, carboxy, or aminocarbonyl; and more preferably R¹⁷ is C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₂₋₄ alkenyl, C₂₋₄ alkynyl, halogen, halo(C₁₋₄)alkyl, hydroxy(C₁₋₄)alkyl, hydroxy, nitro, amino, cyano, amide, carboxy(C₁₋₄)alkyl, C₁₋₂ alkoxy(C₁₋₄)alkyl, ureido, C₁₋₄ acylamino, thiol, C₁₋₄ acyloxy, azido, mercapto(C₁₋₄)alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, carboxy, or aminocarbonyl. Typically, R¹⁷ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₄ alkyl, halogen, halo(C₁₋₄)alkyl, hydroxy(C₁₋₄)alkyl, hydroxy, nitro, amino, cyano, and C₁₋₄ alkoxy. More typically, R¹⁷ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, fluoro, bromo, trifluoromethyl, and cyano. In one embodiment, R¹⁷ is at the 4-position of the phenyl ring (i.e., at the para-position). In this embodiment, the substituent is typically halogen, cyano, or haloalkyl, such as trihaloalkyl, and specifically trifluoromethyl. In another embodiment, R¹⁴ and R¹⁵ are both hydrogen and R¹⁶ and R¹⁷, which can be the same or different, are at the 3- and 4-positions of the phenyl ring (i.e., at the meta- and para-positions). In this embodiment, R¹⁶ and R¹⁷ are typically independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, cyano and haloalkyl (such as trihaloalkyl, and specifically trifluoromethyl). In another embodiment, R¹⁶ is cyano and R¹⁷ is trifluoromethyl at 3- and 4-positions of the phenyl group, respectively.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of any of Formulae I-XIII, where A is A′″ having the structure:

wherein X is —O—, —S—, —SO—, —SO₂—, —CH₂—, —NR²⁷—, —N(R²⁸)SO₂— or —SO₂N(R²⁹)—, where R²⁷, R²⁸, and R²⁹ are each independently hydrogen or alkyl; and R¹⁴, R¹⁵, R³⁰, and R³¹ are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, halogen, haloalkyl, hydroxyalkyl, hydroxy, nitro, amino, cyano, amide, carboxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, ureido, acylamino, thiol, acyloxy, azido, mercaptoalkyl, alkoxy, carboxy, and aminocarbonyl; preferably each of R¹⁴, R¹⁵, R³⁰, and R³¹ is independently selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₂₋₆ alkenyl, C₂₋₆ alkynyl, halogen, halo(C₁₋₆)alkyl, hydroxy(C₁₋₆)alkyl, hydroxy, nitro, amino, cyano, amide, carboxy(C₁₋₆)alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy(C₁₋₆)alkyl, ureido, C₁₋₆ acylamino, thiol, C₁₋₆ acyloxy, azido, mercapto(C₁₋₆)alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkoxy, carboxy, and aminocarbonyl; and more preferably each of R¹⁴, R¹⁵, R³⁰, and R³¹ is independently selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₂₋₄ alkenyl, C₂₋₄ alkynyl, halogen, halo(C₁₋₄)alkyl, hydroxy(C₁₋₄)alkyl, hydroxy, nitro, amino, cyano, amide, carboxy(C₁₋₄)alkyl, C₁₋₂ alkoxy(C₁₋₄)alkyl, ureido, C₁₋₄ acylamino, thiol, C₁₋₄ acyloxy, azido, mercapto(C₁₋₄)alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, carboxy, and aminocarbonyl. Typically, R¹⁴, R¹⁵, R³⁰ and R³¹ are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₄ alkyl, halogen, halo(C₁₋₄)alkyl, hydroxy(C₁₋₄)alkyl, hydroxy, nitro, amino, cyano, and C₁₋₄ alkoxy. More typically, R¹⁴, R¹⁵, R³⁰ and R³¹ are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, fluoro, bromo, trifluoromethyl, and cyano. In one embodiment, R¹⁴ and R¹⁵ are both hydrogen, and R³⁰ and R³¹ are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, fluoro, bromo, trifluoromethyl, and cyano. In this aspect of the invention, compounds useful in the present invention are those where X is —O— or —S—. In another embodiment, X in A′″ is —NR²⁷—, and typically —NH—. In another embodiment, X in A′″ is —N(R²⁸)SO₂— or —SO₂N(R²⁹)—, and preferably —N(R²⁸)SO₂—, where R²⁸ is hydrogen or C₁₋₄ alkyl, and preferably hydrogen or methyl.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention include those of any of Formulae I-XIII, where A is A′″, and R¹⁴ and R¹⁵ in A′″ are both hydrogen and R³⁰ and R³¹ are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, halogen, haloalkyl, hydroxyalkyl (including monohydroxyalkyl and dihydroxyalkyl), hydroxy, nitro, amino, cyano, amide, carboxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, ureido, acylamino, thiol, acyloxy, azido, mercaptoalkyl, alkoxy, carboxy, and aminocarbonyl, Typically, R³⁰ and R³¹ are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₄ alkyl, halogen, halo(C₁₋₄)alkyl, hydroxy(C₁₋₄)alkyl, hydroxy, nitro, amino, cyano, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, and carboxy, and more typically R³⁰ and R³¹ are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, fluoro, bromo, trifluoromethyl, and cyano. In one embodiment, R¹⁴, R¹⁵, R³⁰ and R³¹ each are hydrogen. In one embodiment, R¹⁴, R¹⁵ and R³⁰ are hydrogen and R³¹ is alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, halogen, haloalkyl, hydroxyalkyl, hydroxy, nitro, amino, cyano, amide, carboxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, ureido, acylamino, thiol, acyloxy, azido, mercaptoalkyl, alkoxy, carboxy, or aminocarbonyl; preferably R³¹ is C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₂₋₆ alkenyl, C₂₋₆ alkynyl, halogen, halo(C₁₋₆)alkyl, hydroxy(C₁₋₆)alkyl, hydroxy, nitro, amino, cyano, amide, carboxy(C₁₋₆)alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy(C₁₋₆)alkyl, ureido, C₁₋₆ acylamino, thiol, C₁₋₆ acyloxy, azido, mercapto(C₁₋₆)alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkoxy, carboxy, or aminocarbonyl; and more preferably R³¹ is C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₂₋₄ alkenyl, C₂₋₄ alkynyl, halogen, halo(C₁₋₄)alkyl, hydroxy(C₁₋₄)alkyl, hydroxy, nitro, amino, cyano, amide, carboxy(C₁₋₄)alkyl, C₁₋₂ alkoxy(C₁₋₄)alkyl, ureido, C₁₋₄ acylamino, thiol, C₁₋₄ acyloxy, azido, mercapto(C₁₋₄)alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, carboxy, or aminocarbonyl. Typically, R³¹ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₄ alkyl, halogen, halo(C₁₋₄)alkyl, hydroxy(C₁₋₄)alkyl, hydroxy, nitro, amino, cyano, and C₁₋₄ alkoxy. More typically, R³¹ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, fluoro, bromo, trifluoromethyl, and cyano. In one embodiment, R³¹ is at the 5-position of the pyridin-2-yl ring. In this embodiment, the substituent is typically halogen, cyano, or haloalkyl, such as trihaloalkyl, and specifically trifluoromethyl.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of Formula I, where A is A″″ having the structure:

wherein R¹⁴, R¹⁵, R³⁰, and R³¹ are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, halogen, haloalkyl, hydroxyalkyl, hydroxy, nitro, amino, cyano, amide, carboxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, ureido, acylamino, thiol, acyloxy, azido, mercaptoalkyl, alkoxy, carboxy, and aminocarbonyl; preferably each of R¹⁴, R¹⁵, R³⁰, and R³¹ is independently selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₂₋₆ alkenyl, C₂₋₆ alkynyl, halogen, halo(C₁₋₆)alkyl, hydroxy(C₁₋₆)alkyl, hydroxy, nitro, amino, cyano, amide, carboxy(C₁₋₆)alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy(C₁₋₆)alkyl, ureido, C₁₋₆ acylamino, thiol, C₁₋₆ acyloxy, azido, mercapto(C₁₋₆)alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkoxy, carboxy, and aminocarbonyl; and more preferably each of R¹⁴, R¹⁵, R³⁰, and R³¹ is independently selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₂₋₄ alkenyl, C₂₋₄ alkynyl, halogen, halo(C₁₋₄)alkyl, hydroxy(C₁₋₄)alkyl, hydroxy, nitro, amino, cyano, amide, carboxy(C₁₋₄)alkyl, C₁₋₂ alkoxy(C₁₋₄)alkyl, ureido, C₁₋₄ acylamino, thiol, C₁₋₄ acyloxy, azido, mercapto(C₁₋₄)alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, carboxy, and aminocarbonyl. Typically, R¹⁴, R¹⁵, R³⁰ and R³¹ are as defined above for A′″.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of any of Formulae I-XIII, where R¹, when not A, is hydrogen.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of any of Formulae I-XIII, where R¹, when not A, is alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, aminoalkyl, alkylaminoalkyl, dialkylaminoalkyl, aminocarbonylalkyl, (alkylaminocarbonyl)alkyl, or (dialkylaminocarbonyl)alkyl; preferably C₁₋₆ alkyl, hydroxy(C₂₋₆)alkyl, amino(C₂₋₆)alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkylamino(C₂₋₆)alkyl, di(C₁₋₄)alkylamino(C₂₋₆)alkyl, aminocarbonyl(C₁₋₆)alkyl, (C₁₋₄ alkylaminocarbonyl)(C₁₋₆)alkyl, or (di(C₁₋₄)alkylaminocarbonyl)(C₁₋₆)alkyl; and more preferably C₁₋₄ alkyl, hydroxy(C₂₋₄)alkyl, amino(C₂₋₄)alkyl, C₁₋₂ alkylamino(C₂₋₄)alkyl, di(C₁₋₂)alkylamino(C₂₋₄)alkyl, aminocarbonyl(C₁₋₄)alkyl, (C₁₋₂ alkylaminocarbonyl)(C₁₋₄)alkyl, or (di(C₁₋₂)alkylaminocarbonyl)(C₁₋₄)alkyl. In this embodiment, R¹ is typically hydroxy(C₂₋₄)alkyl, amino(C₂₋₄)alkyl, C₁₋₂ alkylamino(C₂₋₄)alkyl, di(C₁₋₂)alkylamino(C₂₋₄)alkyl, or aminocarbonyl(C₁₋₄)alkyl, such as 2-hydroxyethyl, 3-hydroxypropyl, 1,2-dihydroxyethyl, 2,3-dihydroxypropyl, 2-aminoethyl, 3-aminopropyl, 2-(methylamino)ethyl, 3-(methylamino)propyl, 2-(ethylamino)ethyl, 3-(ethylamino)propyl, 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl, 3-(dimethylamino)propyl, 2-(methylethylamino)ethyl, 3-(methylethylamino)propyl, 2-(diethylamino)ethyl, 3-(diethylamino)propyl, aminocarbonylmethyl, 2-(aminocarbonyl)ethyl, and 3-(aminocarbonyl)propyl. In one embodiment, R¹ when not A, is 2-hydroxyethyl, 3-hydroxypropyl, 1,2-dihydroxyethyl, 2,3-dihydroxypropyl, 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl, 3-(dimethylamino)propyl, 2-(diethylamino)ethyl, 3-(diethylamino)propyl, aminocarbonylmethyl, 2-(aminocarbonyl)ethyl, or 3-(aminocarbonyl)propyl.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention include those of any one of Formulae I-IX and XI-XIII, where R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, and R⁶, when not A, are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen; optionally substituted C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₂₋₆ alkenyl, or C₂₋₆ alkynyl; halogen; hydroxy; cyano; amino; C₁₋₆ alkylamino; di(C₁₋₆)alkylamino; C₁₋₆ alkoxy; aminocarbonyl; C₁₋₆ alkylaminocarbonyl; di(C₁₋₆)alkylaminocarbonyl; C₁₋₆ alkylcarbonylamino; C₁₋₆ alkylcarbonyloxy; carboxy; aminosulfonyl; C₁₋₆ alkylsulfonylamino; and C₁₋₆ alkoxycarbonyl; more preferably each is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen; optionally substituted C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₂₋₄ alkenyl, or C₂₋₄ alkynyl; halogen; hydroxy; cyano; amino; C₁₋₄ alkylamino; di(C₁₋₄)alkylamino; C₁₋₄ alkoxy; aminocarbonyl; C₁₋₄ alkylaminocarbonyl; di(C₁₋₄)alkylaminocarbonyl; C₁₋₄ alkylcarbonylamino; C₁₋₄ alkylcarbonyloxy; carboxy; aminosulfonyl; C₁₋₄ alkylsulfonylamino; and C₁₋₄ alkoxycarbonyl; and more preferably each is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen; unsubstituted C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₂₋₄ alkenyl, or C₂₋₄ alkynyl; C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₂₋₄ alkenyl, or C₂₋₄ alkynyl substituted with 1, 2, or 3 substituents each independently selected from the group consisting of hydroxy, amino, carboxamido (e.g., —C(═O)NH₂), and heterocyclo (e.g., 2-oxooxazolidin-4-yl); halogen; hydroxy; cyano; amino; C₁₋₂ alkylamino; di(C₁₋₂)alkylamino; C₁₋₂ alkoxy; aminocarbonyl; C₁₋₂ alkylaminocarbonyl; di(C₁₋₂)alkylaminocarbonyl; C₁₋₂ alkylcarbonylamino; C₁₋₂ alkylcarbonyloxy; carboxy; aminosulfonyl; C₁₋₂ alkylsulfonylamino; and C₁₋₂ alkoxycarbonyl. In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention include those of any one of Formulae I-IX and XI-XIII, where R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, and R⁶, when not A, are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen; optionally substituted C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₂₋₆ alkenyl, or C₂₋₆ alkynyl; halogen; hydroxy; cyano; amino; C₁₋₆ alkylamino; di(C₁₋₆)alkylamino; C₁₋₆ alkoxy; aminocarbonyl; C₁₋₆ alkylaminocarbonyl; di(C₁₋₆)alkylaminocarbonyl; C₁₋₆ alkylcarbonylamino; C₁₋₆ alkylcarbonyloxy; carboxy; aminosulfonyl; and C₁₋₆ alkylsulfonylamino.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention include those of any one of Formulae I-IX and XI-XIII, where R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, and R⁶, when not A, are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, (2-oxooxazolidin-4-yl)methyl, (2-oxooxazolidin-4-yl)ethyl, —CH(OH)C(═O)NH₂, —CH(OH)CH₂OH, —CH₂CH(OH)CH₂OH, —CH(OH)CH₂NR¹⁸R¹⁹, —CH(NR¹⁸R¹⁹)CH₂OH, —CH₂CH(NR¹⁸R¹⁹)CH₂OH (where R¹⁸ and R¹⁹ are each independently hydrogen or C₁₋₆ alkyl), carboxy, aminocarbonyl, amino, aminosulfonyl, methylsulfonylamino, halogen (especially F), cyano, and methoxycarbonyl. In one embodiment, R¹ is A, R², R³, R⁵, and R⁶ are each hydrogen, and R⁴ is at the 5-position and is as defined above; preferably R⁴ is selected from the group consisting of carboxy, aminocarbonyl, amino, aminosulfonyl, methylsulfonylamino, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, halogen (especially F), cyano, methoxycarbonyl, (2-oxooxazolidin-4-yl)methyl, (2-oxooxazolidin-4-yl)ethyl, —CH(OH)C(═O)NH₂, —CH(OH)CH₂OH, —CH₂CH(OH)CH₂OH, —CH(OH)CH₂NR¹⁸R¹⁹, —CH(NR¹⁸R¹⁹)CH₂OH, and —CH₂CH(NR¹⁸R¹⁹)CH₂OH, where R¹⁸ and R¹⁹ are each independently hydrogen or C₁₋₆ alkyl; and more preferably R⁴ is selected from the group consisting of carboxy, aminocarbonyl, amino, aminosulfonyl, methylsulfonylamino, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, halogen (especially F), cyano, methoxycarbonyl, (2-oxooxazolidin-4-yl)methyl, (2-oxooxazolidin-4-yl)ethyl, —CH(OH)C(═O)NH₂, —CH(OH)CH₂OH, —CH₂CH(OH)CH₂OH, —CH(OH)CH₂NR¹⁸R¹⁹, —CH(NR¹⁸R¹⁹)CH₂OH, and —CH₂CH(NR¹⁸R¹⁹)CH₂OH, where R¹⁸ and R¹⁹ are each independently hydrogen or C₁₋₆ alkyl.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention include those of any one of Formulae I-IX and XI-XIII, where R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, and R⁶, when not A, are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, (2-oxooxazolidin-4-yl)methyl, (2-oxooxazolidin-4-yl)ethyl, —CH(OH)C(═O)NH₂, —CH(OH)CH₂OH, —CH₂CH(OH)CH₂OH, —CH(OH)CH₂NR¹⁸R¹⁹, —CH(NR¹⁸R¹⁹)CH₂OH, —CH₂CH(NR¹⁸R¹⁹)CH₂OH (where R¹⁸ and R¹⁹ are each independently hydrogen or C₁₋₆ alkyl), carboxy, aminocarbonyl, amino, aminosulfonyl, and methylsulfonylamino. In one embodiment, R¹ is A, R², R³, R⁵, and R⁶ are each hydrogen, and R⁴ is at the 5-position and is as defined above; preferably R⁴ is selected from the group consisting of carboxy, aminocarbonyl, amino, aminosulfonyl, methylsulfonylamino, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, (2-oxooxazolidin-4-yl)methyl, (2-oxooxazolidin-4-yl)ethyl, —CH(OH)C(═O)NH₂, —CH(OH)CH₂OH, —CH₂CH(OH)CH₂OH, —CH(OH)CH₂NR¹⁸R¹⁹, —CH(NR¹⁸R¹⁹)CH₂OH, and —CH₂CH(NR¹⁸R¹⁹)CH₂OH, where R¹⁸ and R¹⁹ are each independently hydrogen or C₁₋₆ alkyl; and more preferably R⁴ is selected from the group consisting of carboxy, aminocarbonyl, amino, aminosulfonyl, methylsulfonylamino, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, (2-oxooxazolidin-4-yl)methyl, (2-oxooxazolidin-4-yl)ethyl, —CH(OH)C(═O)NH₂, —CH(OH)CH₂OH, —CH₂CH(OH)CH₂OH, —CH(OH)CH₂NR¹⁸R¹⁹, —CH(NR¹⁸R¹⁹)CH₂OH, and —CH₂CH(NR¹⁸R¹⁹)CH₂OH, where R¹⁸ and R¹⁹ are each independently hydrogen or C₁₋₆ alkyl.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of any of Formulae I-IX, XI, and XII, where R¹ is A, R², R³, R⁴, and R⁶ are each hydrogen, and R⁵ is at the 6-position and is as defined above; preferably R⁵ is selected from the group consisting of carboxy, aminocarbonyl, amino, aminosulfonyl, methylsulfonylamino, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, halogen (especially F), cyano, methoxycarbonyl, (2-oxooxazolidin-4-yl)methyl, (2-oxooxazolidin-4-yl)ethyl, —CH(OH)C(═O)NH₂, —CH(OH)CH₂OH, —CH₂CH(OH)CH₂OH, —CH(OH)CH₂NR¹⁸R¹⁹, —CH(NR¹⁸R¹⁹)CH₂OH, and —CH₂CH(NR¹⁸R¹⁹)CH₂OH, where R¹⁸ and R¹⁹ are each independently hydrogen or C₁₋₆ alkyl.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of any of Formulae I-IX and XI-XIII, where R¹ is A, R², R³, R⁴, and R⁵ are each hydrogen, and R⁶ is at the 7-position and is as defined above; preferably R⁶ is selected from the group consisting of carboxy, aminocarbonyl, amino, aminosulfonyl, methylsulfonylamino, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, halogen (especially F), cyano, methoxycarbonyl, (2-oxooxazolidin-4-yl)methyl, (2-oxooxazolidin-4-yl)ethyl, —CH(OH)C(═O)NH₂, —CH(OH)CH₂OH, —CH₂CH(OH)CH₂OH, —CH(OH)CH₂NR¹⁸R¹⁹, —CH(NR¹⁸R¹⁹)CH₂OH, and —CH₂CH(NR¹⁸R¹⁹)CH₂OH, where R¹⁸ and R¹⁹ are each independently hydrogen or C₁₋₆ alkyl.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of any of Formulae I-IX, XI, and XIII, where R¹ is A, R², R⁴, R⁵, and R⁶ are each hydrogen, and R³ is at the 4-position and is as defined above; preferably R³ is selected from the group consisting of carboxy, aminocarbonyl, amino, aminosulfonyl, methylsulfonylamino, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, halogen (especially F), cyano, methoxycarbonyl, (2-oxooxazolidin-4-yl)methyl, (2-oxooxazolidin-4-yl)ethyl, —CH(OH)C(═O)NH₂, —CH(OH)CH₂OH, —CH₂CH(OH)CH₂OH, —CH(OH)CH₂NR¹⁸R¹⁹, —CH(NR¹⁸R¹⁹)CH₂OH, and —CH₂CH(NR¹⁸R¹⁹)CH₂OH, where R¹⁸ and R¹⁹ are each independently hydrogen or C₁₋₆ alkyl.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of any of Formulae I-XIII, wherein G is G³, wherein r and s in G³ are both 1, and R^(7b), R^(8b), and R^(9b) are each hydrogen. In this embodiment, R¹ is typically A, where A is preferably A″ or A″″.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are compounds of Formula II, wherein G is G¹ which is

R¹ is A″, and at least one of R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, and R⁶ is selected from the group consisting of carboxy, aminocarbonyl, amino, aminosulfonyl, methylsulfonylamino, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, (2-oxooxazolidin-4-yl)methyl, (2-oxooxazolidin-4-yl)ethyl, —CH(OH)C(═O)NH₂, —CH(OH)CH₂OH, —CH₂CH(OH)CH₂OH, —CH(OH)CH₂NR¹⁸R¹⁹, —CH(NR¹⁸R¹⁹)CH₂OH, and —CH₂CH(NR¹⁸R¹⁹)CH₂OH, where R¹⁸ and R¹⁹ are each independently hydrogen or C₁₋₆ alkyl. Typically, in this embodiment, R², R³, R⁵, and R⁶ are each hydrogen, and R⁴ is selected from the group consisting of carboxy, aminocarbonyl, amino, aminosulfonyl, methylsulfonylamino, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, (2-oxooxazolidin-4-yl)methyl, (2-oxooxazolidin-4-yl)ethyl, —CH(OH)C(═O)NH₂, —CH(OH)CH₂OH, —CH₂CH(OH)CH₂OH, —CH(OH)CH₂NR¹⁸R¹⁹, —CH(NR¹⁸R¹⁹)CH₂OH, and —CH₂CH(NR¹⁸R¹⁹)CH₂OH, where R¹⁸ and R¹⁹ are each independently hydrogen or C₁₋₆ alkyl.

Optional substituents attached to aryl, phenyl, and heteroaryl rings each take the place of a hydrogen atom that would otherwise be present in any position on the aryl, phenyl or heteroaryl rings, respectively.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention include:

-   2-amino-3-[7-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl]propan-1-ol, -   2-amino-3-[2-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl]propionamide, -   2-amino-3-[1-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl]propionamide, -   2-amino-3-[5-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl]propan-1-ol, -   2-amino-N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-3-[1-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl]-propionamide, -   2-amino-3-[1-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl]propan-1-ol, -   2-amino-3-[5-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl]propionamide, -   2-amino-3-[5-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl]propionic acid ethyl     ester, -   2-amino-3-[5-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl]propionic acid, -   2-methanesulfonylamino-3-[1-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl]-propionamide, -   2-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-3-[6-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl]propionic     acid, -   2-amino-3-[6-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl]propionamide, -   2-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-3-[6-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl]propionic     acid ethyl ester, -   2-nitro-3-[5-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl]propionic acid ethyl     ester, -   5-{4-[3-(2-amino-3-hydroxypropyl)-1H-indol-1-yl]phenoxy}-2-(trifluoromethyl)benzonitrile, -   5-{4-[3-(2-amino-3-hydroxypropyl)-1H-indol-1-yl]phenoxy}-2-(trifluoromethyl)benzonitrile, -   5-{4-[3-(2-oxooxazolidin-4-yl)methyl)-1H-indol-1-yl]phenoxy}-2-(trifluoromethyl)benzonitrile, -   4-{[3-(2-dimethylaminoethyl)-1-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-5-yl]methyl}oxazolidin-2-one, -   2-amino-3-[3-(2-dimethylaminoethyl)-1-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-5-yl]propan-1-ol, -   2-(1-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl)ethanamine, -   5-{4-[3-(1,2-dihydroxyethyl)-1H-indol-1-yl]phenoxy}-2-(trifluoromethyl)-benzonitrile, -   5-{4-[3-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-1H-indol-1-yl]phenoxy}-2-(trifluoromethyl)benzonitrile, -   5-{4-[3-(2-ethoxyoxalyl)-1H-indol-1-yl]phenoxy}-2-(trifluoromethyl)-benzonitrile, -   5-{4-[3-(2-amino-3-hydroxypropyl)-1H-indol-1-yl]phenoxy}benzonitrile,

and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts, prodrugs and solvates thereof.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention include:

-   2-(1-(4-(3-cyano-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy)phenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl)-2-oxoacetamide, -   2-(1-(4-(3-cyano-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy)phenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl)-2-hydroxyacetamide, -   methyl     3-(2-amino-1-hydroxy-2-oxoethyl)-1-(4-(3-cyano-4-(trifluoromethyl)-phenoxy)phenyl)-1H-indole-3-carboxylate, -   2-(1-(4-(3-cyano-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy)phenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl)-N-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-2-oxoacetamide, -   2-(1-(4-(3-cyano-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy)phenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl)-N-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-2-hydroxyacetamide, -   3,3′-(5-(4-(4-fluorophenoxy)phenyl)-1H-indole-1,3-diyl)bis(propane-1,2-diol), -   4-(4-(3-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-1H-indol-1-yl)phenoxy)benzonitrile, -   4-(4-(3-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-1H-indol-1-yl)phenoxy)benzonitrile, -   3-(1-(4-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)oxy)phenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl)propane-1,2-diol, -   3-(1-(4-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy)phenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl)propane-1,2-diol, -   4-(3-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-1H-indol-1-yl)-N-(4-fluorophenyl)-N-methylbenzenesulfonamide, -   4-(3-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-1H-indol-1-yl)-N-(4-fluorophenyl)-benzenesulfonamide, -   2-(1-(4-(3-cyano-4-trifluoromethyl)phenoxy)phenyl)-5-(1,2-dihydroxyethyl)-1H-indol-3-yl)-2-oxoacetic     acid, -   3-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-1-(4-(4-fluorophenoxy)phenyl)-1H-indole-6-carbonitrile, -   3-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-1-(4-(4-fluorophenoxy)phenyl)-1H-indole-5-carbonitrile, -   3-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-1-(4-(4-fluorophenoxy)phenyl)-1H-indole-7-carbonitrile, -   3-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-1-(4-(4-fluorophenoxy)phenyl)-1H-indole-4-carbonitrile, -   3-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-1-(4-(4-fluorophenoxy)phenyl)-1H-indole-4-carboxamide, -   3-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-1-(4-(4-fluorophenoxy)phenyl)-1H-indole-6-carboxamide, -   3-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-1-(4-(4-fluorophenoxy)phenyl)-1H-indole-4-carboxylic     acid, -   5-(4-(4-(1,2-dihydroxyethyl)-3-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-1H-indol-1-yl)phenoxy)-2-(trifluoromethyl)benzonitrile, -   (N)-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, -   1-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, -   N-hydroxy-1-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, -   5-fluoro-1-(4-(4-trifluoromethyl)phenoxy)phenyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, -   1-(4-(3-cyano-(4-trifluoromethyl)phenoxy)phenyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide,     1-(4-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)oxy)phenyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, -   1-(4-(4-cyanophenoxy)phenyl)-N-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, -   (1-(4-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy)phenyl)-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridin-3-yl)methanol, -   1-(1-(4-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy)phenyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-c]pyridine-3-yl)ethane-1,2-diol, -   3-(1-(4-(4-fluorophenoxy)phenyl)-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridin-3-yl)propane-1,2-diol, -   4-(4-(3-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-b]pyridin-1-yl)phenoxy)benzonitrile, -   2-(1-(2-diethylamino)ethyl-5-(4-(4-fluorophenoxy)phenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl)-2-oxoacetamide, -   2-(1-(2-(diethylamino)ethyl)-5-(4-(4-fluorophenoxy)phenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl)-2-hydroxyacetamide, -   3-(1-(2-diethylamino)ethyl)-5-(4-(4-fluorophenoxy)phenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl)propane-1,2-diol, -   2-(3-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-5-(4-(4-fluorophenoxy)phenyl)-1H-indol-1-yl)acetamide, -   2-(1-(4-(4-cyano-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy)phenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl)-3,3,3-trifluoro-2-hydroxypropanamide, -   2-(1-(4-(4-cyano-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy)phenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl)-2-hydroxyacetamide, -   2-hydroxy-2-(1-(4-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)oxy)phenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl)acetamide, -   2-amino-3-(1-(4-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)oxy)phenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl)propan-1-ol, -   3-(5-(4-(4-fluorophenoxy)phenyl)-1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1H-indol-3-yl)propane-1,2-diol,

and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts, prodrugs and solvates thereof.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention include:

-   (S)-5-{4-[3-(2-amino-3-hydroxypropyl)-1H-indol-1-yl]phenoxy}-2-(trifluoromethyl)benzonitrile, -   (R)-5-{4-[3-(2-amino-3-hydroxypropyl)-1H-indol-1-yl]phenoxy}-2-(trifluoromethyl)benzonitrile, -   (S)-5-{4-[3-((2-oxooxazolidin-4-yl)methyl)-1H-indol-1-yl]phenoxy}-2-(trifluoromethyl)benzonitrile, -   (S)-4-{[3-(2-dimethylaminoethyl)-1-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-5-yl]methyl}oxazolidin-2-one, -   (S)-2-amino-3-[3-(2-dimethylaminoethyl)-1-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-5-yl]propan-1-ol, -   (S)-5-{4-[3-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-1H-indol-1-yl]phenoxy}-2-(trifluoromethyl)benzonitrile, -   (S)-5-{4-[3-(2-amino-3-hydroxypropyl)-1H-indol-1-yl]phenoxy}-benzonitrile,

and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts, prodrugs and solvates thereof.

In another embodiment, Compounds of the Invention include:

-   (S)-2-(1-(4-(3-cyano-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy)phenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl)-N-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-2-oxoacetamide, -   2-(1-(4-(3-cyano-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy)phenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl)-N—((S)-2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-2-hydroxyacetamide, -   (2S,2′S)-3,3′-(5-(4-(4-fluorophenoxy)phenyl)-1H-indole-1,3-diyl)bis(propane-1,2-diol), -   (S)-4-(4-(3-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-1H-indol-1-yl)phenoxy)benzonitrile, -   (R)-4-(4-(3-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-1H-indol-1-yl)phenoxy)benzonitrile, -   (S)-3-(1-(4-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)oxy)phenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl)propane-1,2-diol, -   (S)-3-(1-(4-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy)phenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl)propane-1,2-diol, -   (S)-4-(3-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-1H-indol-1-yl)-N-(4-fluorophenyl)-N-methylbenzenesulfonamide, -   (S)-4-(3-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-1H-indol-1-yl)-N-(4-fluorophenyl)-benzenesulfonamide, -   (R)-2-(1-(4-(3-cyano-4-trifluoromethyl)phenoxy)phenyl)-5-(1,2-dihydroxyethyl)-1H-indol-3-yl)-2-oxoacetic     acid, -   (S)-3-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-1-(4-(4-fluorophenoxy)phenyl)-1H-indole-6-carbonitrile, -   (S)-3-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-1-(4-(4-fluorophenoxy)phenyl)-1H-indole-5-carbonitrile, -   (S)-3-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-1-(4-(4-fluorophenoxy)phenyl)-1H-indole-7-carbonitrile, -   (S)-3-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-1-(4-(4-fluorophenoxy)phenyl)-1H-indole-4-carbonitrile, -   (S)-3-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-1-(4-(4-fluorophenoxy)phenyl)-1H-indole-4-carboxamide, -   (S)-3-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-1-(4-(4-fluorophenoxy)phenyl)-1H-indole-6-carboxamide, -   (S)-3-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-1-(4-(4-fluorophenoxy)phenyl)-1H-indole-4-carboxylic     acid, -   5-(4-(4-(1,2-dihydroxyethyl)-3-((R)-2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-1H-indol-1-yl)phenoxy)-2-(trifluoromethyl)benzonitrile, -   5-(4-(4-(1,2-dihydroxyethyl)-3-((S)-2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-1H-indol-1-yl)phenoxy)-2-(trifluoromethyl)benzonitrile, -   (R)-1-(1-(4-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy)phenyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-c]pyridine-3-yl)ethane-1,2-diol, -   (S)-3-(1-(4-(4-fluorophenoxy)phenyl)-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridin-3-yl)propane-1,2-diol, -   (S)-4-(4-(3-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-b]pyridin-1-yl)phenoxy)benzonitrile,     (S)-3-(1-(2-diethylamino)ethyl)-5-(4-(4-fluorophenoxy)phenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl)propane-1,2-diol, -   (S)-2-(3-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-5-(4-(4-fluorophenoxy)phenyl)-1H-indol-1-yl)acetamide, -   (S)-2-amino-3-(1-(4-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)oxy)phenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl)propan-1-ol, -   (S)-3-(5-(4-(4-fluorophenoxy)phenyl)-1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1H-indol-3-yl)propane-1,2-diol, -   (S)-2-(1-(4-(3-cyano-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy)phenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl)-2-hydroxyacetamide, -   (R)-2-(1-(4-(3-cyano-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy)phenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl)-2-hydroxyacetamide,     and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts, prodrugs and solvates     thereof.

The present invention is also directed to the compounds of Formula XX:

and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts, prodrugs, and solvates thereof, wherein R¹⁴, R¹⁵, R¹⁶ and R¹⁷ are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, halogen, haloalkyl, hydroxyalkyl, hydroxy, nitro, amino, cyano, amide, carboxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, ureido, acylamino, thiol, acyloxy, azido, mercaptoalkyl, alkoxy, carboxy, and aminocarbonyl; preferably each of R¹⁴, R¹⁵, R¹⁶, and R¹⁷ is independently selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₂₋₆ alkenyl, C₂₋₆ alkynyl, halogen, halo(C₁₋₆)alkyl, hydroxy(C₁₋₆)alkyl, hydroxy, nitro, amino, cyano, amide, carboxy(C₁₋₆)alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy(C₁₋₆)alkyl, ureido, C₁₋₆ acylamino, thiol, C₁₋₆ acyloxy, azido, mercapto(C₁₋₆)alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkoxy, carboxy, and aminocarbonyl; and more preferably each of R¹⁴, R¹⁵, R¹⁶, and R¹⁷ is independently selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₂₋₄ alkenyl, C₂₋₄ alkynyl, halogen, halo(C₁₋₄)alkyl, hydroxy(C₁₋₄)alkyl, hydroxy, nitro, amino, cyano, amide, carboxy(C₁₋₄)alkyl, C₁₋₂ alkoxy(C₁₋₄)alkyl, ureido, C₁₋₄ acylamino, thiol, C₁₋₄ acyloxy, azido, mercapto(C₁₋₄)alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, carboxy, and aminocarbonyl. Typically, R¹⁴, R¹⁵, R¹⁶ and R¹⁷ are as defined above for A′. In one embodiment, a compound of Formula XX is N,N-diethyl-2-(5-(4-(4-fluorophenoxy)phenyl)-1H-indol-1-yl)ethanamine, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, prodrug or solvate thereof.

The present invention also relates to the use of compounds of Formula XX as intermediates for preparing compounds of Formula I.

The present invention also relates to compounds of Formula XX, and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts, prodrugs and solvates thereof, for use in treating pain (e.g., acute pain, chronic pain, which includes but is not limited to, neuropathic pain, postoperative pain and inflammatory pain, or surgical pain) in a mammal.

Further, the present invention relates to compounds of Formula XX, and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts, prodrugs and solvates thereof, for use in treating stroke, neuronal damage resulting from head trauma, epilepsy, seizures, general epilepsy with febrile seizures, severe myoclonic epilepsy in infancy, neuronal loss following global and focal ischemia, migraine, familial primary erythromelalgia, paroxysmal extreme pain disorder, cerebellar atrophy, ataxia, distonia, tremor, mental retardation, autism, a neurodegenerative disorder (e.g., Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or Parkinson's disease), manic depression, tinnitus, myotonia, a movement disorder, or cardiac arrhythmia, or providing local anesthesia in a mammal.

Useful halo or halogen groups include fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine.

Useful alkyl groups are selected from straight-chain and branched-chain C₁₋₁₀ alkyl groups. Typical C₁₋₁₀ alkyl groups include methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, iso-butyl, pentyl, 3-pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl and decyl, among others. In one embodiment, useful alkyl groups are selected from straight chain C₁₋₆ alkyl groups and branched chain C₃₋₆ alkyl groups. Typical C₁₋₆ alkyl groups include methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, iso-butyl, pentyl, 3-pentyl, hexyl, among others. In one embodiment, useful alkyl groups are selected from straight chain C₁₋₄ alkyl groups and branched chain C₃₄ alkyl groups. Typical C₁₋₄ alkyl groups include methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, iso-butyl.

Useful cycloalkyl groups are selected from saturated and partially unsaturated (containing one or two double bonds) cyclic hydrocarbon groups containing one to three rings having from three to twelve carbon atoms (i.e., C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl) or the number of carbons designated. In one embodiment, the cycloalkyl has one or two rings. In another embodiment, the cycloalkyl is a C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl. Exemplary cycloalkyl groups include cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, cyclooctyl, norbornyl, decalin, adamantyl and the like. In one embodiment, the cycloalkyl group contains one double bond. Preferably, the cycloalkyl groups containing one double bond have from four to twelve carbon atoms (i.e., C₄-C₁₂ cycloalkenyl). Exemplary cycloalkyl groups containing one double bond include cyclobuenyl, cyclopentenyl, cyclohexenyl, cycloheptenyl, cyclooctenyl, cyclononenyl, cyclodecenyl, among others. In another embodiment, the cycloalkyl group contains two double bonds. Preferably, the cycloalkyl groups containing two double bonds have from five to twelve carbon atoms (i.e., C₅-C₁₂ cycloalkadienyl). Exemplary cycloalkyl groups having two double bonds include cyclopentadienyl, cyclohexadienyl, cycloheptadienyl, cyclooctadienyl, cyclononadienyl, cyclodecadienyl, among others.

Useful alkenyl groups are selected from straight-chain and branched-chain C₂₋₆ alkenyl groups, preferably C₂₋₄ alkenyl. Typical C₂₋₆ alkenyl groups include ethenyl, propenyl, isopropenyl, butenyl, sec-butenyl, pentenyl, and hexenyl. Typical C₂₋₄ alkenyl groups include ethenyl, propenyl, isopropenyl, butenyl, and sec-butenyl.

Useful alkynyl groups are selected from straight-chain and branched-chain C₂₋₆ alkynyl groups, preferably C₂₋₄ alkynyl. Typical C₂₋₆ alkynyl groups include ethynyl, propynyl, butynyl, 2-butynyl, pentynyl, and hexynyl groups. Typical C₂₋₄ alkynyl groups include ethynyl, propynyl, butynyl, and 2-butynyl groups.

Useful haloalkyl groups include any of the above-mentioned C₁₋₁₀ alkyl groups substituted by one or more fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine atoms (e.g., fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, pentafluoroethyl, 1,1-difluoroethyl, 2,2-difluoroethyl, 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl, 3,3,3-trifluoropropyl, 4,4,4-trifluorobutyl, and trichloromethyl groups).

Useful hydroxyalkyl groups include any of the above-mentioned C₁₋₁₀ alkyl groups substituted by one or more hydroxy groups, such as monohydroxyalkyl and dihydroxyalkyl groups (e.g., hydroxymethyl, hydroxyethyl, hydroxypropyl and hydroxybutyl groups, and especially hydroxymethyl, 1-hydroxyethyl, 2-hydroxyethyl, 1,2-dihydroxyethyl, 2-hydroxypropyl, 3-hydroxypropyl, 2,3-dihydroxypropyl, 3-hydroxybutyl, 4-hydroxybutyl, 2-hydroxy-1-methylpropyl, and 1,3-dihydroxyprop-2-yl).

Useful alkoxy groups include oxygen substituted by one of the C₁₋₁₀ alkyl groups mentioned above (e.g., methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, iso-propoxy, butoxy, tert-butoxy, iso-butoxy, sec-butoxy, pentyloxy, hexyloxy, heptyloxy, octyloxy, nonyloxy and decyloxy).

Useful alkoxyalkyl groups include any of the above-mentioned C₁₋₁₀ alkyl groups substituted with any of the above-mentioned alkoxy groups (e.g., methoxymethyl, methoxyethyl, methoxypropyl, methoxybutyl, ethoxymethyl, 2-ethoxyethyl, 3-ethoxypropyl, 4-ethoxybutyl, propoxymethyl, iso-propoxymethyl, 2-propoxyethyl, 3-propoxypropyl, butoxymethyl, tert-butoxymethyl, isobutoxymethyl, sec-butoxymethyl, and pentyloxymethyl).

Useful haloalkoxy groups include oxygen substituted by one of the C₁₋₁₀ haloalkyl groups mentioned above (e.g., fluoromethoxy, difluoromethoxy, trifluoromethoxy, and 2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy).

Useful haloalkoxyalkyl groups include any of the above-mentioned C₁₋₁₀ alkyl groups substituted with any of the above-mentioned haloalkoxy groups (e.g., fluoromethoxymethyl, difluoromethoxymethyl, trifluoromethoxymethyl, 2-(trifluoromethoxy)ethyl, and 2,2,2-trifluoroethoxymethyl).

Useful (cycloalkyl)alkyl groups include any of the above-mentioned C₁₋₁₀ alkyl groups substituted with any of the above-mentioned cycloalkyl groups (e.g., cyclopropylmethyl, 2-(cyclopropyl)ethyl, cyclopropylpropyl, cyclobutylmethyl, cyclopentylmethyl, cyclohexylmethyl, and the like).

Useful aryl groups are C₆₋₁₄ aryl, especially C₆₋₁₀ aryl. Typical C₆₋₁₄ aryl groups include phenyl, naphthyl, phenanthryl, anthracyl, indenyl, azulenyl, biphenyl, biphenylenyl, and fluorenyl groups, more preferably phenyl, naphthyl, and biphenyl groups.

Useful aryloxy groups include oxygen substituted by one of the aryl groups mentioned above (e.g., phenoxy).

Useful arylalkyl groups include any of the above-mentioned C₁₋₁₀ alkyl groups substituted by any of the above-mentioned aryl groups (e.g., benzyl, phenethyl, and the like).

Useful aralkyloxy groups include oxygen substituted by one of the above-mentioned arylalkyl groups (e.g., benzyloxy).

The term “heteroaryl” or “heteroaromatic” as employed herein refers to groups having 5 to 14 ring atoms, with 6, 10 or 14 π electrons shared in a cyclic array, and containing carbon atoms and 1, 2, or 3 oxygen, nitrogen or sulfur heteroatoms, or 4 nitrogen atoms. Examples of heteroaryl groups include thienyl, benzo[b]thienyl, naphtho[2,3-b]thienyl, thianthrenyl, furyl, benzofuryl, pyranyl, isobenzofuranyl, benzooxazonyl, chromenyl, xanthenyl, 2H-pyrrolyl, pyrrolyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, pyridyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyridazinyl, isoindolyl, 3H-indolyl, indolyl, indazolyl, purinyl, isoquinolyl, quinolyl, phthalazinyl, naphthyridinyl, cinnolinyl, quinazolinyl, pteridinyl, 4aH-carbazolyl, carbazolyl, β-carbolinyl, phenanthridinyl, acridinyl, pyrimidinyl, phenanthrolinyl, phenazinyl, thiazolyl, isothiazolyl, phenothiazolyl, isoxazolyl, furazanyl, and phenoxazinyl. Typical heteroaryl groups include thienyl (e.g., thien-2-yl and thien-3-yl), furyl (e.g., 2-furyl and 3-furyl), pyrrolyl (e.g., 1H-pyrrol-2-yl and 1H-pyrrol-3-yl), imidazolyl (e.g., 2H-imidazol-2-yl and 2H-imidazol-4-yl), pyrazolyl (e.g., 1H-pyrazol-3-yl, 1H-pyrazol-4-yl, and 1H-pyrazol-5-yl), pyridyl (e.g., pyridin-2-yl, pyridin-3-yl, and pyridin-4-yl), pyrimidinyl (e.g., pyrimidin-2-yl, pyrimidin-4-yl, pyrimidin-5-yl, and pyrimidin-5-yl), thiazolyl (e.g., thiazol-2-yl, thiazol-4-yl, and thiazol-5-yl), isothiazolyl (e.g., isothiazol-3-yl, isothiazol-4-yl, and isothiazol-5-yl), oxazolyl (e.g., oxazol-2-yl, oxazol-4-yl, and oxazol-5-yl) and isoxazolyl (e.g., isoxazol-3-yl, isoxazol-4-yl, and isoxazol-5-yl).

The terms “heterocyclic” and “heterocyclo” are used herein to mean saturated or wholly or partially unsaturated 3-7 membered monocyclic, or 7-10 membered bicyclic ring system, which consist of carbon atoms and from one to four heteroatoms independently selected from the group consisting of O, N, and S, wherein the nitrogen and sulfur heteroatoms can be optionally oxidized, the nitrogen can be optionally quaternized, and including any bicyclic group in which any of the above-defined heterocyclic rings is fused to a benzene ring, and wherein the heterocyclic ring can be substituted on a carbon atom or on a nitrogen atom if the resulting compound is stable. In one embodiment, the 3- to 7-membered monocyclic heterocyclic ring is either saturated, or unsaturated non-aromatic ring. A 3-membered heterocyclo can contain up to 1 heteroatom, a 4-membered heterocyclo can contain up to 2 heteroatoms, a 5-membered heterocyclo can contain up to 4 heteroatoms, a 6-membered heterocyclo can contain up to 4 heteroatoms, and a 7-membered heterocyclo can contain up to 5 heteroatoms. Each heteroatom is independently selected from nitrogen, which can be quaternized; oxygen; and sulfur, including sulfoxide and sulfone. The 3- to 7-membered heterocyclo can be attached via a nitrogen or carbon atom. A 7- to 10-membered bicyclic heterocyclo contains from 1 to 4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, which can be quaternized; oxygen; and sulfur, including sulfoxide and sulfone. The 7- to 10-membered bicyclic heterocyclo can be attached via a nitrogen or carbon atom Examples of the include, but are not limited to, pyrrolidinyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, morpholinyl, imidazolinyl, pyrazolidinyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, oxazolidinyl, 2-oxooxazolidinyl, tetrahydrothienyl, imidazolidinyl, hexahydropyrimidinyl, benzodiazepines, and the like.

Useful heterocycloalkyl groups include any of the above-mentioned C₁₋₁₀ alkyl groups substituted by any of the above-mentioned heterocyclic groups (e.g., (pyrrolidin-2-yl)methyl, (pyrrolidin-1-yl)methyl, (piperidin-1-yl)methyl, (morpholin-1-yl)methyl, (2-oxooxazolidin-4-yl)methyl, 2-(2-oxooxazolidin-4-yl)ethyl, and the like).

As used herein, the term “amino” or “amino group” refers to —NH₂.

Useful aminoalkyl groups include any of the above-mentioned C₁₋₁₀ alkyl groups substituted with an amino group.

Useful diaminoalkyl groups include any of the above-mentioned C₁₋₁₀ alkyl groups substituted with two amino groups.

Useful alkylamino and dialkylamino groups are —NHR²⁰ and —NR²⁰R²¹, respectively, wherein R²⁰ and R²¹ are each independently selected from a C₁₋₁₀ alkyl group.

Useful hydroxyalkylamino groups are —NHR²⁰, wherein R²⁰ is any of the above-mentioned hydroxyalkyl groups.

Useful alkylaminoalkyl and dialkylaminoalkyl groups are any of the above-mentioned C₁₋₁₀ alkyl groups substituted by any of the above-mentioned alkylamino and dialkylamino groups, respectively.

As used herein, the term “aminocarbonyl” refers to —C(═O)NH₂.

As used herein, the term “aminocarbonylalkyl” refers to any of the above-captioned C₁₋₁₀ alkyl groups substituted with an aminocarbonyl group (e.g., aminocarbonylmethyl, 2-(aminocarbonyl)ethyl, and 3-(aminocarbonyl)propyl).

As used herein, the term “aminosulfonyl” refers to —SO₂NH₂.

Useful alkylcarbonyl groups include a carbonyl group, i.e., —C(═O)—, substituted by any of the above-mentioned C₁₋₁₀ alkyl groups.

Useful alkoxycarbonyl groups include a carbonyl group substituted by any of the above-mentioned alkoxy groups (e.g., methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, propoxycarbonyl, iso-propoxycarbonyl, butoxycarbonyl, tert-butoxycarbonyl, iso-butoxycarbonyl, sec-butoxycarbonyl, and pentyloxycarbonyl).

Useful haloalkylcarbonyl groups include a carbonyl group substituted by any of the above-mentioned haloalkyl groups (e.g., fluoromethylcarbonyl, difluoromethylcarbonyl, trifluoromethylcarbonyl, pentafluoroethylcarbonyl, 1,1-difluoroethylcarbonyl, 2,2-difluoroethylcarbonyl, 2,2,2-trifluoroethylcarbonyl, 3,3,3-trifluoropropylcarbonyl, 4,4,4-trifluorobutylcarbonyl, and trichloromethylcarbonyl).

Useful arylcarbonyl groups include a carbonyl group substituted by any of the above-mentioned aryl groups (e.g., benzoyl).

Useful alkylcarbonyloxy or acyloxy groups include oxygen substituted by one of the above-mentioned alkylcarbonyl groups.

Useful alkylcarbonylamino or acylamino groups include any of the above-mentioned alkylcarbonyl groups attached to an amino nitrogen, such as methylcarbonylamino.

As used herein, the term “carboxamido” refers to a radical of formula —C(═O)NR²²R²³, wherein R²² and R²³ are each independently hydrogen, optionally substituted C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, or optionally substituted aryl. Exemplary carboxamido groups include —CONH₂, —CON(H)CH₃, —CON(CH₃)₂, and —CON(H)Ph and the like

Useful alkylaminocarbonyl and dialkylaminocarbonyl groups are any of the above-mentioned carboxamido groups, where R²² is H and R²³ is C₁₋₁₀ alkyl or where R²² and R²³ are each independently selected from a C₁₋₁₀ alkyl group, respectively.

Useful (alkylaminocarbonyl)alkyl and (dialkylaminocarbonyl)alkyl groups are any of the above-mentioned C₁₋₁₀ alkyl groups substituted with an alkylaminocarbonyl or a dialkylaminocarbonyl group, respectively.

As used herein, the term “sulfonamido” refers to a radical of formula —SO₂NR²⁴R²⁵, wherein R²⁴ and R²⁵ are each independently hydrogen, optionally substituted C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, or optionally substituted aryl. Exemplary sulfonamido groups include —SO₂NH₂, —SO₂N(H)CH₃, —SO₂N(H)Ph and the like.

As used herein, the term “alkylsulfonyl” refers to —SO₂R²⁶, wherein R²⁶ is any of the above-mentioned C₁₋₁₀ alkyl groups.

As used herein, the term “alkylsulfinyl” refers to —S(═O)R²⁶, wherein R²⁶ is any of the above-mentioned C₁₋₁₀ alkyl groups.

As used herein, the term “alkylsulfonylamino” refers to —N(H)SO₂R²⁶, wherein R²⁶ is any of the above-mentioned C₁₋₁₀ alkyl groups.

Useful mercaptoalkyl groups include any of the above-mentioned C₁₋₁₀ alkyl groups substituted by a —SH group.

As used herein, the term “carboxy” refers to —COOH.

Useful carboxyalkyl groups include any of the above-mentioned C₁₋₁₀ alkyl groups substituted by —COOH.

As used herein, the term “cyano” refers to —CN.

Useful cyanoalkyl groups include any of the above-mentioned C₁₋₁₀ alkyl groups substituted by —CN.

As used herein, the term “ureido” refers to —NH—C(═O)—NH₂.

As used herein, the term “azido” refers to —N₃.

The term “about,” as used herein in connection with a measured quantity, refers to the normal variations in that measured quantity, as expected by the skilled artisan making the measurement and exercising a level of care commensurate with the objective of measurement and the precision of the measuring equipment.

As used herein, the term “optionally substituted” refers to a group that may be unsubstituted or substituted.

Optional substituents on optionally substituted groups, when not otherwise indicated, include one or more groups, typically 1, 2, or 3 groups, independently selected from the group consisting of halo, halo(C₁₋₆)alkyl, aryl, heterocycle, cycloalkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₂₋₆ alkenyl, C₂₋₆ alkynyl, aryl(C₁₋₆)alkyl, aryl(C₂₋₆)alkenyl, aryl(C₂₋₆)alkynyl, cycloalkyl(C₁₋₆)alkyl, heterocyclo(C₁₋₆)alkyl, hydroxy(C₁₋₆)alkyl, amino(C₁₋₆)alkyl, carboxy(C₁₋₆)alkyl, alkoxy(C₁₋₆)alkyl, nitro, amino, ureido, cyano, alkylcarbonylamino, hydroxy, thiol, alkylcarbonyloxy, aryloxy, ar(C₁₋₆)alkyloxy, carboxamido, sulfonamido, azido, C₁₋₆ alkoxy, halo(C₁₋₆)alkoxy, carboxy, aminocarbonyl, and mercapto(C₁₋₆)alkyl groups mentioned above. Preferred optional substituents include halo, halo(C₁₋₆)alkyl, hydroxy(C₁₋₆)alkyl, amino(C₁₋₆)alkyl, hydroxy, nitro, C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkoxy, halo(C₁₋₆)alkoxy, and amino.

The invention disclosed herein is also meant to encompass prodrugs of any of the disclosed compounds. As used herein, prodrugs are considered to be any covalently bonded carriers that release the active parent drug in vivo. In general, such prodrugs will be a functional derivative of a compound of Formula I-XX which is readily convertible in vivo, e.g., by being metabolized, into the required compound of Formula I-XX. Conventional procedures for the selection and preparation of suitable prodrug derivatives are described in, for example, Design of Prodrugs, H. Bundgaard ed., Elsevier (1985); “Drug and Enzyme Targeting, Part A,” K. Widder et al. eds., Vol. 112 in Methods in Enzymology, Academic Press (1985); Bundgaard, “Design and Application of Prodrugs,” Chapter 5 (pp. 113-191) in A Textbook of Drug Design and Development, P. Krogsgaard-Larsen and H. Bundgaard eds., Harwood Academic Publishers (1991); Bundgaard et al., Adv. Drug Delivery Revs. 8:1-38 (1992); Bundgaard et al., J. Pharmaceut. Sci. 77:285 (1988); and Kakeya et al., Chem. Pharm. Bull. 32:692 (1984). Non-limiting examples of prodrugs include esters or amides of compounds of any of Formulae I-XX having hydroxyalkyl or aminoalkyl as a substituent, and these may be prepared by reacting such parent compounds with anhydrides such as succinic anhydride.

The invention disclosed herein is also intended to encompass any of the disclosed compounds being isotopically-labelled (i.e., radiolabeled) by having one or more atoms replaced by an atom having a different atomic mass or mass number. Examples of isotopes that can be incorporated into the disclosed compounds include isotopes of hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorous, fluorine and chlorine, such as ²H, ³H, ¹¹C, ¹³C, ¹⁴C, ¹⁵N, ¹⁸O, ¹⁷O, ³¹P, ³²P, ³⁵S, ¹⁸F, and a ³⁶Cl, respectively, and preferably ³H, ¹¹C, and ¹⁴C. Isotopically-labeled compounds of the present invention can be prepared by methods known in the art.

The present invention is also directed specifically to ³H, ¹¹C, or ¹⁴C radiolabeled compounds of any of Formulae I-XX, as well as their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, prodrugs and solvates, and the use of any such compounds as radioligands for their binding site on the calcium channel. For example, one use of the labeled compounds of the present invention is the characterization of specific receptor binding. Another use of a labeled compound of the present invention is an alternative to animal testing for the evaluation of structure-activity relationships. For example, the receptor assay may be performed at a fixed concentration of a labeled compound of the invention and at increasing concentrations of a test compound in a competition assay. For example, a tritiated compound of any of Formulae I-XX can be prepared by introducing tritium into the particular compound, for example, by catalytic dehalogenation with tritium. This method may include reacting a suitably halogen-substituted precursor of the compound with tritium gas in the presence of a suitable catalyst, for example, Pd/C, in the presence or absence of a base. Other suitable methods for preparing tritiated compounds can be found in Filer, Isotopes in the Physical and Biomedical Sciences, Vol. 1, Labeled Compounds (Part A), Chapter 6 (1987). ¹⁴C-labeled compounds can be prepared by employing starting materials having a ¹⁴C carbon.

Some of the compounds disclosed herein may contain one or more asymmetric centers and may thus give rise to enantiomers, diastereomers, and other stereoisomeric forms. The present invention is meant to encompass the uses of all such possible forms, as well as their racemic and resolved forms and mixtures thereof. The individual enantiomers may be separated according to methods known to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the present disclosure. When the compounds described herein contain olefinic double bonds or other centers of geometric asymmetry, and unless specified otherwise, it is intended that they include both E and Z geometric isomers. All tautomers are intended to be encompassed by the present invention as well.

As used herein, the term “stereoisomers” is a general term for all isomers of individual molecules that differ only in the orientation of their atoms in space. It includes enantiomers and isomers of compounds with more than one chiral center that are not mirror images of one another (diastereomers).

The term “chiral center” refers to a carbon atom to which four different groups are attached.

The terms “enantiomer” and “enantiomeric” refer to a molecule that cannot be superimposed on its mirror image and hence is optically active wherein the enantiomer rotates the plane of polarized light in one direction and its mirror image compound rotates the plane of polarized light in the opposite direction.

The term “racemic” refers to a mixture of equal parts of enantiomers and which mixture is optically inactive.

The term “resolution” refers to the separation or concentration or depletion of one of the two enantiomeric forms of a molecule.

The terms “a” and “an” refer to one or more.

The term “treating” or “treatment” is meant to encompass administering to a subject a compound of the present invention for the purposes of amelioration or cure, including preemptive and palliative treatment.

The term “R^(8a) is a bond” for —OR^(8a) refers to the formation of an ═O group with the carbon atom to which the —OR^(8a) group is attached.

When numeric ranges are provided for parameters, e.g. the parameter being 1-5 then it is meant that all of the integers inbetween are also encompassed, such as n is 1-5 or q is 1-5 means that n and q are selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5.

The invention disclosed herein also encompasses the use of salts of the disclosed compounds, including all non-toxic pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof of the disclosed compounds. Examples of pharmaceutically acceptable addition salts include inorganic and organic acid addition salts and basic salts. The pharmaceutically acceptable salts include, but are not limited to, metal salts such as sodium salt, potassium salt, cesium salt and the like; alkaline earth metals such as calcium salt, magnesium salt and the like; organic amine salts such as triethylamine salt, pyridine salt, picoline salt, ethanolamine salt, triethanolamine salt, dicyclohexylamine salt, N,N′-dibenzylethylenediamine salt and the like; inorganic acid salts such as hydrochloride, hydrobromide, phosphate, sulphate and the like; organic acid salts such as citrate, lactate, tartrate, maleate, fumarate, mandelate, acetate, dichloroacetate, trifluoroacetate, oxalate, formate and the like; sulfonates such as methanesulfonate, benzenesulfonate, p-toluenesulfonate and the like; and amino acid salts such as arginate, asparginate, glutamate and the like.

Acid addition salts can be formed by mixing a solution of the particular compound of the present invention with a solution of a pharmaceutically acceptable non-toxic acid such as hydrochloric acid, fumaric acid, maleic acid, succinic acid, acetic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, carbonic acid, phosphoric acid, oxalic acid, dichloroacetic acid, or the like. Basic salts can be formed by mixing a solution of the compound of the present invention with a solution of a pharmaceutically acceptable non-toxic base such as sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, choline hydroxide, sodium carbonate and the like.

The invention disclosed herein is also meant to encompass solvates of any of the disclosed compounds. Solvates typically do not significantly alter the physiological activity or toxicity of the compounds, and as such may function as pharmacological equivalents. The term “solvate” as used herein is a combination, physical association and/or solvation of a compound of the present invention with a solvent molecule such as, e.g. a disolvate, monosolvate or hemisolvate, where the ratio of solvent molecule to compound of the present invention is 2:1, 1:1 or 1:2, respectively. This physical association involves varying degrees of ionic and covalent bonding, including hydrogen bonding. In certain instances, the solvate can be isolated, such as when one or more solvent molecules are incorporated into the crystal lattice of a crystalline solid. Thus, “solvate” encompasses both solution-phase and isolatable solvates. Compounds of any of Formulae I-XX may be present as solvated forms with a pharmaceutically acceptable solvent, such as water, methanol, ethanol, and the like, and it is intended that the invention includes both solvated and unsolvated forms of compounds of any of Formulae I-XX. One type of solvate is a hydrate. A “hydrate” relates to a particular subgroup of solvates where the solvent molecule is water. Solvates typically can function as pharmacological equivalents. Preparation of solvates is known in the art. See, for example, M. Caira et a.l, J. Pharmaceut. Sci., 93(3):601-611 (2004), which describes the preparation of solvates of fluconazole with ethyl acetate and with water. Similar preparation of solvates, hemisolvates, hydrates, and the like are described by E. C. van Tonder et al., AAPS Pharm. Sci. Tech., 5(1): Article 12 (2004), and A. L. Bingham et al., Chem. Commun.: 603-604 (2001). A typical, non-limiting, process of preparing a solvate would involve dissolving a compound of any of Formulae I-XX in a desired solvent (organic, water, or a mixture thereof) at temperatures above about 20° C. to about 25° C., then cooling the solution at a rate sufficient to form crystals, and isolating the crystals by known methods, e.g., filtration. Analytical techniques such as infrared spectroscopy can be used to confirm the presence of the solvent in a crystal of the solvate.

Since compounds of Formulae I-XX are blockers of sodium (Na⁺) channels, a number of diseases and conditions mediated by sodium ion influx can be treated by employing these compounds. The present invention is thus directed generally to a method for treating a disorder responsive to the blockade of sodium channels in an animal suffering from, or at risk of suffering from, said disorder, said method comprising administering to the animal an effective amount of a compound represented by any of defined Formulae I-XX, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, prodrug or solvate thereof.

The present invention is further directed to a method of modulating, in particular blocking sodium channels in an animal in need thereof, said method comprising administering to the animal at least one compound represented by any of defined Formulae I-XX, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, prodrug or solvate thereof.

More specifically, the present invention provides a method of treating stroke, neuronal damage resulting from head trauma, epilepsy, seizures, general epilepsy with febrile seizures, severe myoclonic epilepsy in infancy, neuronal loss following global and focal ischemia, pain (e.g., acute pain, chronic pain, which includes but is not limited to neuropathic pain, postoperative pain and inflammatory pain, or surgical pain), migraine, familial primary erythromelalgia, paroxysmal extreme pain disorder, cerebellar atrophy, ataxia, distonia, tremor, mental retardation, autism, a neurodegenerative disorder (e.g., Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or Parkinson's disease), manic depression, tinnitus, myotonia, a movement disorder, or cardiac arrhythmia, or providing local anesthesia. In one embodiment, the invention provides a method of treating pain. In another embodiment, the type of pain treated is chronic pain. In another embodiment, the type of pain treated is neuropathic pain. In another embodiment, the type of pain treated is postoperative pain. In another embodiment, the type of pain treated is inflammatory pain. In another embodiment, the type of pain treated is surgical pain. In another embodiment, the type of pain treated is acute pain. In another embodiment, the treatment of pain (e.g., chronic pain, such as neuropathic pain or inflammatory pain, acute pain or surgical pain) is preemptive. In another embodiment, the treatment of pain is palliative. In each instance, such method of treatment requires administering to an animal in need of such treatment an amount of a compound of the present invention that is therapeutically effective in achieving said treatment. In one embodiment, the amount of such compound is the amount that is effective as to block sodium channels in vivo.

Chronic pain includes, but is not limited to, inflammatory pain, postoperative pain, cancer pain, osteoarthritis pain associated with metastatic cancer, trigeminal neuralgia, acute herpetic and postherpetic neuralgia, diabetic neuropathy, causalgia, brachial plexus avulsion, occipital neuralgia, reflex sympathetic dystrophy, fibromyalgia, gout, phantom limb pain, burn pain, and other forms of neuralgia, neuropathic, and idiopathic pain syndromes.

Chronic somatic pain generally results from inflammatory responses to tissue injury such as nerve entrapment, surgical procedures, cancer or arthritis (Brower, Nature Biotechnology 2000; 18: 387-391).

The inflammatory process is a complex series of biochemical and cellular events activated in response to tissue injury or the presence of foreign substances (Levine, Inflammatory Pain, In: Textbook of Pain, Wall and Melzack eds., 3^(rd) ed., 1994). Inflammation often occurs at the site of injured tissue, or foreign material, and contributes to the process of tissue repair and healing. The cardinal signs of inflammation include erythema (redness), heat, edema (swelling), pain and loss of function (ibid.). The majority of patients with inflammatory pain do not experience pain continually, but rather experience enhanced pain when the inflamed site is moved or touched. Inflammatory pain includes, but is not limited to, that associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Chronic neuropathic pain is a heterogenous disease state with an unclear etiology. In chronic neuropathic pain, the pain can be mediated by multiple mechanisms. This type of pain generally arises from injury to the peripheral or central nervous tissue. The syndromes include pain associated with spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, post-herpetic neuralgia, trigeminal neuralgia, phantom pain, causalgia, and reflex sympathetic dystrophy and lower back pain. Chronic pain is different from acute pain in that patients suffer the abnormal pain sensations that can be described as spontaneous pain, continuous superficial burning and/or deep aching pain. The pain can be evoked by heat-, cold-, and mechano-hyperalgesia or by heat-, cold-, or mechano-allodynia.

Neuropathic pain can be caused by injury or infection of peripheral sensory nerves. It includes, but is not limited to, pain from peripheral nerve trauma, herpes virus infection, diabetes mellitus, causalgia, plexus avulsion, neuroma, limb amputation, and vasculitis. Neuropathic pain is also caused by nerve damage from chronic alcoholism, human immunodeficiency virus infection, hypothyroidism, uremia, or vitamin deficiencies. Stroke (spinal or brain) and spinal cord injury can also induce neuropathic pain. Cancer-related neuropathic pain results from tumor growth compression of adjacent nerves, brain, or spinal cord. In addition, cancer treatments, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy, can also cause nerve injury. Neuropathic pain includes but is not limited to pain caused by nerve injury such as, for example, the pain from which diabetics suffer.

The present invention is also directed to the use of a compound represented by any of defined Formulae I-XX, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, prodrug or solvate thereof, in the manufacture of a medicament for treating a disorder responsive to the blockade of sodium channels (e.g., any of the disorders listed above) in an animal suffering from said disorder.

Furthermore, the present invention is directed to a method of modulating, in particular blocking sodium channels in an animal in need thereof, said method comprising administering to the animal at least one compound represented by any defined Formulae I-XX, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, prodrug or solvate thereof.

The present invention is also directed to the use of a compound represented by any of defined Formulae I-XX, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, prodrug or solvate thereof, in the manufacture of a medicament, in particular a medicament for modulating, in particular blocking sodium channels, in an animal in need thereof.

Synthesis of Compounds

The compounds of the present invention can be prepared using methods known to those skilled in the art in view of this disclosure. For example, compounds of Formula I can be prepared as shown in Schemes 1-5. Additional methods of synthesis are described and illustrated in the working examples set forth below.

In Scheme 1, A is as defined for Formula I. Ref. 1: (a) Quick et al., Tetrahedron Letters 35(46): 8549-52 (1994); and (b) Quick et al., Heterocycles 39(2): 571-579 (1994). Ref. 2: Kozikowski et al., Journal of the American Chemical Society 111(16): 6228-6234 (1989).

In Scheme 2, A, R¹⁰ and R¹¹ are as defined for Formula I and R′ is an alkyl.

In Scheme 3, A is as defined for Formula I, R′″ is hydrogen, and R″ is, for example, hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl (such as, for example, —CH(OH)CH₂OH, —CH₂CH(OH)CH₂OH, —CH(OH)CH₂NR¹⁸R¹⁹, or —CH(NR¹⁸R¹⁹)CH₂OH), alkenyl, or alkynyl, halogen, hydroxy, cyano, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, alkoxy, aminocarbonyl, alkylaminocarbonyl, dialkylaminocarbonyl, or alkylcarbonylamino. Ref. 3: Doyle et al., Journal of Organic Chemistry 50(10): 1663-1666 (1985).

In Scheme 4, A, R⁸ and R⁹ are as defined for Formula I.

In Scheme 5, A is as defined for Formula I.

In Scheme 6, R″ is as defined in Scheme 3, and A, R^(7b) and R^(8b) are as defined for Formula I.

In Scheme 7, A, R¹, R^(7b), and R^(8I)) are as defined for Formula I.

Testing of Compounds

Compounds of the present invention were assessed by sodium mobilization and/or electrophysiological assays for sodium channel blocker activity. One aspect of the present invention is based on the use of the compounds herein described as sodium channel blockers. Based upon this property, compounds of the present invention are considered useful in treating a condition or disorder responsive to the blockade of sodium ion channels, e.g., stroke, neuronal damage resulting from head trauma, epilepsy, seizures, general epilepsy with febrile seizures, severe myoclonic epilepsy in infancy, neuronal loss following global and focal ischemia, a neurodegenerative disorder (e.g., Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or Parkinson's disease), migraine, familial primary erythromelalgia, paroxysmal extreme pain disorder, cerebellar atrophy, ataxia, distonia, tremor, mental retardation, autism, manic depression, tinnitus, myotonia, a movement disorder, or cardiac arrhythmia, or providing local anesthesia. The compounds of the present invention are also expected to be effective in treating pain, such as acute pain, chronic pain, which includes but is not limited to neuropathic pain, postoperative pain and inflammatory pain, or surgical pain.

More specifically, the present invention is directed to compounds of Formulae I-XX that are blockers of sodium channels. According to the present invention, those compounds having useful sodium channel blocking properties exhibit an IC₅₀ for Na_(v)1.1, Na_(v)1.2, Na_(v)1.3, Na_(v)1.4, Na_(v)1.5, Na_(v)1.6, Na_(v)1.7, Na_(v)1.8 and/or Na_(v)1.9 of about 100 μM or less, e.g., about 50 μM or less, about 10 μM or less, about 5 μM or less, or about 1 μM or less, in the sodium mobilization and/or electrophysiological assays described herein. In certain embodiments, compounds of the present invention exhibit an IC₅₀ for Na_(v)1.7 of 100 μM or less, e.g., about 50 μM or less, about 10 μM or less, about 5 μM or less, or about 1 μM or less, about 0.5 μM or less, or about 0.1 μM or less. Compounds of the present invention can be tested for their Na⁺ channel blocking activity using methods well known in the art and by the following fluorescence imaging and electrophysiological in vitro assays and/or in vivo assays.

In Vitro Assay Protocols FLIPR® Assays:

Recombinant Na_(v)1.7 Cell Line:

In vitro assays were performed in a recombinant cell line expressing cDNA encoding the alpha subunit (Na_(v)1.7, SCN9a, PN1, NE) of human Na_(v)1.7 (Accession No. NM_002977). The cell line was provided by investigators at Yale University (Cummins et al, J. Neurosci. 18(23): 9607-9619 (1998)). For dominant selection of the Na_(v)1.7-expressing clones, the expression plasmid co-expressed the neomycin resistance gene. The cell line was constructed in the human embryonic kidney cell line, HEK293, under the influence of the CMV major late promoter, and stable clones were selected using limiting dilution cloning and antibiotic selection using the neomycin analogue, G418. Recombinant beta and gamma subunits were not introduced into this cell line. Additional cell lines expressing recombinant Na_(v)1.7 cloned from other species can also be used, alone or in combination with various beta subunits, gamma subunits or chaperones.

Non-Recombinant Cell Lines Expressing Native Na_(v)1.7:

Alternatively, in vitro assays can be performed in a cell line expressing native, non-recombinant Na_(v)1.7, such as the ND7 mouse neuroblastoma X rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) hybrid cell line ND7/23, available from the European Cell Culture Collection (Cat. No. 92090903, Salisbury, Wiltshire, United Kingdom). The assays can also be performed in other cell lines expressing native, non-recombinant Na_(v)1.7, from various species, or in cultures of fresh or preserved sensory neurons, such as dorsal root ganglion (DRG) cells, isolated from various species. Primary screens or counter-screens of other voltage-gated sodium channels to can also be performed, and the cell lines can be constructed using methods known in the art, purchased from collaborators or commercial establishments, and they can express either recombinant or native channels. The primary counter-screen is for one of the central neuronal sodium channels, Na_(v)1.2 (rBIIa), expressed in HEK293 host cells (Ilyin et al., Br. J. Pharmacol. 144:801-812 (2005)). Pharmacological profiling for these counter-screens is carried out under conditions similar to the primary or alternative Na_(v)1.7 assays described below.

Cell Maintenance:

Unless otherwise noted, cell culture reagents were purchased from Mediatech of Herndon, Va. The recombinant Na_(v)1.7/HEK293 cells were routinely cultured in growth medium consisting of Dulbecco's minimum essential medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS, Hyclone, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Logan, Utah), 100 U/mL penicillin, 100 mg/mL streptomycin, 2-4 mM L-glutamine, and 500 mg/mL G418. For natural, non-recombinant cell lines, the selective antibiotic was omitted, and additional media formulations can be applied as needed.

Assay Buffer:

The assay buffer was formulated by removing 120 mL from a 1 L bottle of fresh, sterile dH₂O (Mediatech, Herndon, Va.) and adding 100 mL of 10×HBSS that does not contain Ca⁺⁺ or Mg⁺⁺ (Gibco, Invitrogen, Grand Island, N.Y.) followed by 20 mL of 1.0 M Hepes, pH 7.3 (Fisher Scientific, BP299-100). The final buffer consisted of 20 mM Hepes, pH 7.3, 1.261 mM CaCl₂, 0.493 mM MgCl₂, 0.407 mM Mg(SO)₄, 5.33 mM KCl, 0.441 mM KH₂PO₄, 137 mM NaCl, 0.336 mM Na₂HPO4 and 0.556 mM D-glucose (Hanks et al., Proc. Soc. Exp. Biol. Med. 71:196 (1949)), and the simple formulation was typically the basic buffer throughout the assay (i.e., all wash and addition steps).

CoroNa™ Green AM Na⁺ Dye for Primary Fluorescence Assay:

The fluorescence indicator used in the primary fluorescence assay was the cell permeant version of CoroNa™ Green (Invitrogen, Molecular Probes, Eugene, Oreg.), a dye that emits light in the fluorescence range (Harootunian et al., J. Biol. Chem. 264(32):19458-19467 (1989)). The intensity of this emission, but not the wavelength range, is increased when the dye is exposed to Na⁺ ions, which it can bind with partial selectivity. Cells expressing Na_(v)1.7 or other sodium channels were loaded with the CoroNa™ Green dye immediately in advance of the fluorescence assay, and then, after agonist stimulation, the mobilization of Na⁺ ions was detected as the Na⁺ ions flowed from the extracellular fluid into the cytoplasm through the activated sodium channel pores. The dye was stored in the dark as a lyophilized powder, and then an aliquot was dissolved immediately before the cell loading procedure, according to the instructions of the manufacturer to a stock concentration of 10 mM in DMSO. It was then diluted in the assay buffer to a 4× concentrated working solution, so that the final concentration of dye in the cell loading buffer was 5 μM.

Membrane Potential Dye for Alternative Fluorescence Assays:

A fluorescence indicator that can be used in alternative fluorescence assays is the blue version membrane potential dye (MDS, Molecular Devices, Sunnyvale, Calif.), a dye that detects changes in molecules following a change in membrane potential. An increase in fluorescence is expected if agonist stimulation provokes a change in membrane potential. Cells expressing Na_(v)1.7 or other sodium channels are incubated with the membrane potential dye 30-60 minutes before the fluorescence assay. In the case of the KCl pre-stimulation version of the assay, the dye and all other components are washed out immediately before the assay, and the dye is then replaced. In the version lacking KCl pre-stimulation, the dye remains on the cells and is not washed out or replaced. The dye is stored in the dark as a lyophilized powder, and then an aliquot dissolved in assay buffer to form a 20×-concentrated stock solution that can be used for several weeks.

Agonists:

In the fluorescence assays, two agonists were used in combination, namely 1) veratridine; and 2) the venom from the yellow scorpion, Leiurus quinquestriatus hebraeus. Veratridine is an alkaloid small molecule that facilitates the capture of channel openings by inhibiting inactivation, and the scorpion venom is a natural preparation that includes peptide toxins selective for different subsets of voltage-gated sodium channels. These scorpion toxins inhibit the fast inactivation of their cognate target channels. Stock solutions of the agonists were prepared to 40 mM in DMSO (veratridine) and 1 mg/mL in dH₂O (scorpion venom), and then diluted to make a 4× or 2× stock (depending on the particular assay) in assay buffer, the final concentration being 100 M (veratridine) and 10 μg/mL (scorpion venom). Both of the agonists were purchased from Sigma Aldrich, St. Louis, Mo.

Test Compounds:

Test compounds were dissolved in DMSO to yield 10 mM stock solutions. The stock solutions were further diluted using DMSO in 1:3 serial dilution steps with 10 points (10,000 μM, 3,333 μM, 1,111 μM, 370 μM, 123 μM, 41 μM, 14 μM, 4.6 μM, 1.5 μM and 0.5 μM). The stock solutions were further diluted in assay buffer (1:125) as 4× stock serial dilutions with a DMSO concentration of 0.8% (final [DMSO], in the assay, from the compounds component=0.2%), so that the compounds' final concentrations in the assay were 20 μM, 6.7 μM, 2.2 μM, 0.74 μM, 0.25 μM and 0.08 μM, 0.03 μM, 0.01 μM, 0.003 μM and 0.001 μM. If a particular test article appeared to be especially potent, then the concentration curve was adjusted, e.g., to 10-fold lower concentrations, in order to perform the dose-response in a more relevant concentration range. Compound dilutions were added during the dye-loading and pre-stimulation step, and then again during the fluorescence assay, early in the kinetic read. Compound dilutions were added in duplicate rows across the middle 80 wells of the 96-well plate, whereas the fully stimulated and the fully inhibited controls (positive and negative) were located in the top 4 side wells and the bottom 4 side wells, respectively, on the left and right sides of the assay plate.

Data Analysis:

The data were analyzed according to methods known to those skilled in the art or using the GraphPad® Prism 4.0 Program (available from GraphPad Software, San Diego, Calif.) to determine the IC₅₀ value for the test article. At least one standard reference compound was evaluated during each experiment.

FLIPR® or FLIPR^(TETRA®) Sodium Dye Assay with KCl and Test Article Pre-Incubation:

Cells were prepared by plating the recombinant HEK293 cells or other host cells expressing either recombinant or non-recombinant, native, Na_(v)1.7 alpha subunit, alone or in combination with various beta and gamma subunits at a density of ˜40,000 cells/well into a 96-well black, clear-bottom, PDL-coated plate. The assay can be adapted to 384-well or 1,536-well format, if desired, using proportionately less cells and media. The plate was then incubated in growth media, with or without selective antibiotic, overnight at 37° C. at 5% CO₂, 95% humidity, in preparation for the assay. For counter-screens of other voltage-gated sodium channels, the procedure was very similar, though optimal densities of cells, media and subsequent assay components can be fine-tuned for the particular cell line or isoform.

The next day, at the start of the assay, the media was flicked from the cells and the wells were washed once with 50 μL/well assay buffer (1× Hank's balanced salt solution without sodium bicarbonate or phenol red, 20 mM Hepes, pH 7.3) and then pre-incubated with the test articles, CoroNa™ Green AM sodium dye (for cell loading) and KCl for re-polarization and synchronization of the channels in the entire population of cells. For this dye-loading and pre-stimulation step, the components were added as follows, immediately after the wash step: 1) First, the compound dilutions and controls were added as 4× concentrates in assay buffer at 50 μL/well; 2) CoroNa™ Green AM dye was diluted from the stock solution to 20 μM in assay buffer (4× concentrate) and added to the plate at 50 μL/well; and 3) Finally, a solution of 180 mM KCl (2×) was prepared by diluting a 2M stock solution into assay buffer and the solution was added to the cells at 100 μL/well. The cells were incubated at 25° C. in the dark for 30 min. before their fluorescence was measured.

The plates containing dye-loaded cells were then flicked to remove the pre-incubation components and washed once with 100 μL/well assay buffer. A 100 μL/well aliquot of assay buffer was added back to the plate, and the real-time assay was commenced. The fluorescence of cells was measured using a fluorescence plate reader (FLIPR^(TETRA®) or FLIPR384®, MDS, Molecular Devices, Sunnyvale, Calif.) Samples were excited by either a laser or a PMT light source (Excitation wavelength=470-495 nM) and the emissions are filtered (Emission wavelength=515-575 nM). The additions of compound and the channel activators in this cell-based, medium-to-high throughput assay were performed on the fluorescence plate reader and the results (expressed as relative fluorescence units) were captured by means of camera shots every 1-3 sec., then displayed in real-time and stored. Generally, there was a 15 sec. base line, with camera shots taken every 1.5 sec., then the test compounds were added, then another 120 sec. baseline was conducted, with camera shots taken every 3 sec.; and finally, the agonist solution (containing veratridine and scorpion venom) was added. The amplitude of fluorescence increase, resulting from the binding of Na⁺ ions to the CoroNa™ Green dye, was captured for ˜180 sec. thereafter. Results were expressed in relative fluorescence units (RFU) and can be determined by using the maximum signal during the latter part of the stimulation; or the maximum minus the minimum during the whole agonist stimulation period; or by taking the area under the curve for the whole stimulation period.

The assay can be performed as a screening assay as well with the test articles present in standard amounts (e.g., 10 μM) in only one or two wells of a multi-well plate during the primary screen. Hits in this screen were typically profiled more exhaustively (multiple times), subjected to dose-response or competition assays and tested in counter screens against other voltage-gate sodium channels or other biologically relevant target molecules.

FLIPR® or FLIPR^(TETRA®) Membrane Potential Assay with KCl and Test Article Pre-Incubation:

Cells are prepared by plating the recombinant HEK293 cells or other host cells expressing either recombinant or non-recombinant, native, Na_(v)1.7 alpha subunit, alone or in combination with various beta and gamma subunits at a density of ˜40,000 cells/well into a 96-well black, clear-bottom, PDL-coated plate. The assay can be adapted to 384-well or 1,536-well format, if desired, using proportionately less cells and media. The plate is then incubated in growth media, with or without selective antibiotic, overnight at 37° C. at 5% CO₂, 95% humidity, in preparation for the assay (see, e.g., Benjamin et. al., J. Biomol. Screen 10(4):365-373 (2005)). For screens and counter-screens of other voltage-gated sodium channels, the assay protocol is similar, though optimal densities of cells, media and subsequent assay components can be fine-tuned for the particular cell line or sodium channel isoform being tested.

The next day, at the start of the assay, the media is flicked from the cells and the wells are washed once with 50 μL/well assay buffer (1× Hank's balanced salt solution without sodium bicarbonate or phenol red, 20 mM Hepes, pH 7.3) and then pre-incubated with the test articles, the membrane potential dye (for cell loading), and the KCl for re-polarization and synchronization of the channels in the entire population of cells. For this dye-loading and pre-stimulation step, the components are added as follows, immediately after the wash step: 1) First, the compound dilutions and controls are added as 4× concentrates in assay buffer at 50 μL/well; 2) Membrane potential dye is diluted from the stock solution in assay buffer (4× concentrate) and added to the plate at 50 μL/well; and 3) Finally, a solution of 180 mM KCl (2×) are prepared by diluting a 2M stock solution into assay buffer and the solution added to the cells at 100 μL/well. The cells are incubated at 37° C. in the dark for 30-60 min. before their fluorescence is measured.

The plates containing dye-loaded cells are then flicked to remove the pre-incubation components and washed once with 50 μL/well assay buffer. A 50 μL/well aliquot of membrane potential dye is added back to the plate, and the real-time assay is commenced. The fluorescence of cells is measured using a fluorescence plate reader (FLIPR^(TETRA®) or FLIPR384®, MDS, Molecular Devices, Sunnyvale, Calif.). Samples are excited by either a laser or a PMT light source (Excitation wavelength=510-545 nM) and the emissions are filtered (Emission wavelength=565-625 nM). The additions of the compounds (first) and then the channel activators (later) in this are performed on the fluorescence plate reader and the results, expressed as relative fluorescence units (RFU), are captured by means of camera shots every 1-3 sec., then displayed in real-time and stored. Generally, there is a 15 sec. base line, with camera shots taken every 1.5 sec., then the test compounds are added, then another 120 sec. baseline is conducted, with camera shots taken every 3 sec.; and finally, the agonist solution (containing veratridine and scorpion venom) is added. The amplitude of fluorescence increase, resulting from the detection of membrane potential change, is captured for ˜120 sec. thereafter. Results are expressed in relative fluorescence units (RFU) and can be determined by using the maximum signal during the latter part of the stimulation; or the maximum minus the minimum during the whole stimulation period; or by taking the area under the curve for the whole stimulation period.

The assay can be performed as a screening assay as well with the test articles present in standard amounts (e.g., 10 μM) in only one or two wells of a multi-well plate during the primary screen. Hits in this screen are typically profiled more exhaustively (multiple times), subjected to dose-response or competition assays and tested in counter screens against other voltage-gate sodium channels or other biologically relevant target molecules.

FLIPR® or FLIPR^(TETRA®) Sodium Dye Assay without KCl and Test Article Pre-Incubation:

Cells are prepared by plating the recombinant HEK293 cells or other host cells expressing either recombinant or non-recombinant, native, Na_(v)1.7 alpha subunit, alone or in combination with various beta and gamma subunits at a density of ˜40,000 cells/well into a 96-well black, clear-bottom, PDL-coated plate. The assay can be adapted to 384-well or 1,536-well format, if desired, using proportionately less cells and media. The plate is then incubated in growth media, with or without selective antibiotic, overnight at 37° C. at 5% CO₂, 95% humidity, in preparation for the assay. For counter-screens of other voltage-gated sodium channels, the procedure is very similar, though optimal densities of cells, media and subsequent assay components can be fine-tuned for the particular cell line or isoform.

The next day, at the start of the assay, the media is flicked from the cells and the wells washed once with 50 μL/well assay buffer (1× Hank's balanced salt solution without sodium bicarbonate or phenol red, 20 mM Hepes, pH 7.3). Membrane potential dye is then added to each well of the 96-well plate (50 μL/well), from a freshly diluted sample of the stock (now at 4× concentration) in the assay buffer. The cells are incubated at 37° C. in the dark for 30-60 min. before their fluorescence is measured.

In this standard membrane potential assay, the 96-well plate containing dye-loaded cells is then loaded directly onto the plate reader without aspirating the dye solution and without any further washing of the cells. The fluorescence of cells is measured using a fluorescence plate reader (FLIPR^(TETRA®) or FLIPR384®, MDS, Molecular Devices, Sunnyvale, Calif.). Samples are excited by either a laser or a PMT light source (Excitation wavelength=510-545 nM) and the emissions are filtered (Emission wavelength=565-625 nM). The additions of the compounds (first, 50 μL/well from a 4× stock plate) and then the channel activators (later, 100 μL/well from a 2× stock solution) in this kinetic assay are performed on the fluorescence plate reader and the results, expressed as relative fluorescence units (RFU), are captured by means of camera shots every 1-3 sec., then displayed in real-time and stored. Generally, there is a 15 sec. base line, with camera shots taken every 1.5 sec., then the test compounds are added, then another 120 sec. baseline is conducted, with camera shots taken every 3 sec.; and finally, the agonist solution (containing veratridine and scorpion venom) is added. The amplitude of fluorescence increase, resulting from the detection of membrane potential change, is captured for ˜120 sec. thereafter. Results are expressed in relative fluorescence units (RFU) and can be determined by using the maximum signal during the latter part of the stimulation; or the maximum minus the minimum during the whole stimulation period; or by taking the area under the curve for the whole stimulation period.

The assay can be performed as a screening assay as well, with the test articles present in standard amounts (e.g. 10 μM) in only one or two wells of a multi-well plate during the primary screen. Hits in this screen are typically profiled more exhaustively (multiple times), subjected to dose-response or competition assays and tested in counter screens against other voltage-gate sodium channels or other biologically relevant target molecules.

Electrophysiology Assay

Cells:

The hNa_(v)1.7 expressing HEK-293 cells were plated on 35 mm culture dishes pre-coated with poly-D-lysine in standard DMEM culture media (Mediatech, Inc., Herndon, Va.) and incubated in a 5% CO₂ incubator at 37° C. Cultured cells were used approximately 12-48 hours after plating.

Electrophysiology:

On the day of experimentation, the 35 mm dish was placed on the stage of an inverted microscope equipped with a perfusion system that continuously perfuses the culture dish with fresh recording media. A gravity driven superfusion system was used to apply test solutions directly to the cell under evaluation. This system consists of an array of glass pipette glass connected to a motorized horizontal translator. The outlet of the shooter was positioned approximately 100 μm from the cell of interest.

Whole cell currents were recorded using the whole-cell patch clamp configuration using an Axopatch 200B amplifier (Axon Instruments, Foster City Calif.), 1322A A/D converter (Axon Instruments) and pClamp software (v. 8; Axon Instruments) and stored on a personal computer. Gigaseals were formed and the whole-cell configuration was established in voltage clamp mode, and membrane currents generated by hNa_(v)1.7 were recorded in gap-free mode. Borosilicate glass pipettes have resistance values between 1.5 and 2.0 MΩ when filled with pipette solution and series resistance (<5 MΩ) was compensated 75-80%. Signals were sampled at 50 kHz and low pass filtered at 3 kHz.

The voltage clamp protocol to examine hNa_(v)1.7 currents was as follows. First, the standard current-voltage relationship was tested by pulsing the cell from the holding voltage (V_(h)) of −120 mV by a series of 5 msec long square-shaped test pulses incrementing in +10 mV steps over the membrane voltage range of −90 mV to +60 mV at the pace of stimulation of 0.5 Hz. This procedure determines the voltage that elicits the maximal current (V_(max)). Second, V_(h) was re-set to −120 mV and a steady-state inactivation (SSIN) curve was taken by the standard double-pulse protocol: 100 ms depolarizing pre-pulse was incremented in steps of +10 mV (voltage range from −90 mV to 0 mV) immediately followed by the 5 ms long test pulse to −10 mV at the pace of stimulation of 0.2 Hz. This procedure determines the voltage of full inactivation (V_(full)). Third, the cell was repeatedly stimulated with the following protocol, first in the absence of the test compound then in its presence. The protocol consisted of depolarizing the cell from the holding potential of −120 mV to the V_(full) value for 4.5 seconds then repolarizing the cell to the holding potential for 10 ms before applying the test pulse to the V_(max) for 5 ms. The amount of inhibition produced by the test compound was determined by comparing the current amplitude elicited by the test pulse in the absence and presence of the compound.

Solutions and Chemicals:

For electrophysiological recordings the external solution was either standard, DMEM supplemented with 10 mM HEPES (pH adjusted to 7.34 with NaOH and the osmolarity adjusted to 320) or Tyrodes salt solution (Sigma, USA) supplemented with 10 mM HEPES (pH adjusted to 7.4 with NaOH; osmolarity=320). The internal pipette solution contained (in mM): NaCl (10), CsF (140), CaCl₂ (1), MgCl₂ (5), EGTA (11), HEPES (10: pH 7.4, 305 mOsm). Compounds were prepared first as series of stock solutions in DMSO and then dissolved in external solution; DMSO content in final dilutions did not exceed 0.3%. At this concentration, DMSO did not affect sodium currents. Vehicle solution used to establish base line was also contacting 0.3% DMSO.

Data Analysis:

Data was analyzed off-line using Clampfit software (pClamp, v. 8; Axon Instruments) and graphed using GraphPad Prizm (v. 4.0) software.

In Vivo Assay for Pain

The compounds of the present invention can be tested for their antinociceptive activity in the formalin model as described in Hunskaar et al., J. Neurosci. Methods 14: 69-76 (1985). Male Swiss Webster NIH mice (20-30 g; Harlan, San Diego, Calif.) can be used in all experiments. Food is withdrawn on the day of experiment. Mice are placed in Plexiglass jars for at least 1 hour to acclimate to the environment. Following the acclimation period mice are weighed and given either the compound of interest administered i.p. or p.o., or the appropriate volume of vehicle (for example, 10% Tween-80 or 0.9% saline, and other pharmaceutically acceptable vehicles) as control. Fifteen minutes after the i.p. dosing, and 30 minutes after the p.o. dosing mice are injected with formalin (20 μL of 5% formaldehyde solution in saline) into the dorsal surface of the right hind paw. Mice are transferred to the Plexiglass jars and monitored for the amount of time spent licking or biting the injected paw. Periods of licking and biting are recorded in 5-minute intervals for 1 hour after the formalin injection. All experiments are done in a blinded manner during the light cycle. The early phase of the formalin response is measured as licking/biting between 0-5 minutes, and the late phase is measured from 15-50 minutes. Differences between vehicle and drug treated groups can be analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). A P value <0.05 is considered significant. Compounds are considered to be efficacious for treating acute and chronic pain if they have activity in blocking both the early and second phase of formalin-induced paw-licking activity.

In Vivo Assays for Inflammatory or Neuropathic Pain

Test Animals:

Each experiment uses rats weighing between 200-260 g at the start of the experiment. The rats are group-housed and have free access to food and water at all times, except prior to oral administration of a test compound when food is removed for 16 hours before dosing. A control group acts as a comparison to rats treated with a compound of Formulae I-XX. The control group is administered the carrier as used for the test compound. The volume of carrier administered to the control group is the same as the volume of carrier and test compound administered to the test group.

Inflammatory Pain:

To assess the actions of the compounds of Formulae I-XX on the treatment of inflammatory pain the Freund's complete adjuvant (“FCA”) model of inflammatory pain is used. FCA-induced inflammation of the rat hind paw is associated with the development of persistent inflammatory mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia and provides reliable prediction of the anti-hyperalgesic action of clinically useful analgesic drugs (Bartho et al., Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archives of Pharmacol. 342:666-670 (1990)). The left hind paw of each animal is administered a 50 μL intraplantar injection of 50% FCA. 24 hour post injection, the animal is assessed for response to noxious mechanical stimuli by determining the paw withdrawal threshold (PWT), or to noxious thermal stimuli by determining the paw withdrawal latency (PWL), as described below. Rats are then administered a single injection of either a test compound or 30 mg/Kg of a positive control compound (indomethacin). Responses to noxious mechanical or thermal stimuli are then determined 1, 3, 5 and 24 hours post administration (admin). Percentage reversal of hyperalgesia for each animal is defined as:

${\% \mspace{14mu} {reversal}} = {\frac{\left\lbrack {\left( {{post}\mspace{14mu} {administration}\mspace{14mu} {PWT}} \right) - \left( {{pre}\text{-}{administration}\mspace{14mu} {PWT}} \right)} \right\rbrack}{\left\lbrack {\left( {{baseline}\mspace{14mu} {PWT}} \right) - \left( {{pre}\text{-}{administration}\mspace{14mu} {PWT}} \right)} \right\rbrack} \times 100}$

Neuropathic Pain:

To assess the actions of the test compounds for the treatment of neuropathic pain the Seltzer model or the Chung model can be used.

In the Seltzer model, the partial sciatic nerve ligation model of neuropathic pain is used to produce neuropathic hyperalgesia in rats (Seltzer et al., Pain 43:205-218 (1990)). Partial ligation of the left sciatic nerve is performed under isoflurane/O₂ inhalation anaesthesia. Following induction of anaesthesia, the left thigh of the rat is shaved and the sciatic nerve exposed at high thigh level through a small incision and is carefully cleared of surrounding connective tissues at a site near the trocanther just distal to the point at which the posterior biceps semitendinosus nerve branches off of the common sciatic nerve. A 7-0 silk suture is inserted into the nerve with a ⅜ curved, reversed-cutting mini-needle and tightly ligated so that the dorsal ⅓ to ½ of the nerve thickness is held within the ligature. The wound is closed with a single muscle suture (4-0 nylon (Vicryl)) and vetbond tissue glue. Following surgery, the wound area is dusted with antibiotic powder. Sham-treated rats undergo an identical surgical procedure except that the sciatic nerve is not manipulated. Following surgery, animals are weighed and placed on a warm pad until they recover from anaesthesia. Animals are then returned to their home cages until behavioral testing begins. The animals are assessed for response to noxious mechanical stimuli by determining PWT, as described below, prior to surgery (baseline), then immediately prior to and 1, 3, and 5 hours after drug administration for rear paw of the animal. Percentage reversal of neuropathic hyperalgesia is defined as:

${\% \mspace{14mu} {reversal}} = {\frac{\left\lbrack {\left( {{post}\mspace{14mu} {administration}\mspace{14mu} {PWT}} \right) - \left( {{pre}\text{-}{administration}\mspace{14mu} {PWT}} \right)} \right\rbrack}{\left\lbrack {\left( {{baseline}\mspace{14mu} {PWT}} \right) - \left( {{pre}\text{-}{administration}\mspace{14mu} {PWT}} \right)} \right\rbrack} \times 100}$

In the Chung model, the spinal nerve ligation model of neuropathic pain was used to produce mechanical hyperalgesia, thermal hyperalgesia and tactile allodynia in rats. Surgery was performed under isoflurane/O₂ inhalation anaesthesia. Following induction of anaesthesia a 3 cm incision was made and the left paraspinal muscles were separated from the spinous process at the L₄-S₂ levels. The L₆ transverse process was carefully removed with a pair of small rongeurs to identify visually the L₄-L₆ spinal nerves. The left L₅ (or L₅ and L₆) spinal nerve(s) was (were) isolated and tightly ligated with silk thread. A complete hemostasis was confirmed and the wound was sutured using non-absorbable sutures, such as nylon sutures or stainless steel staples. Sham-treated rats underwent an identical surgical procedure except that the spinal nerve(s) was (were) not manipulated. Following surgery animals were weighed, administered a subcutaneous (s.c.) injection of saline or ringers lactate, the wound area was dusted with antibiotic powder and they were kept on a warm pad until they recovered from the anaesthesia. Animals were then returned to their home cages until behavioral testing begins. The animals were assessed for response to noxious mechanical stimuli by determining PWT, as described below, prior to surgery (baseline), then immediately prior to and 1, 3, and 5 hours after being administered a compound of Formulae I-XX for the left rear paw of the animal. The animals can also be assessed for response to noxious thermal stimuli or for tactile allodynia, as described below. The Chung model for neuropathic pain is described in Kim et al., Pain 50(3):355-363 (1992).

Tactile Allodynia:

Sensitivity to non-noxious mechanical stimuli can be measured in animals to assess tactile allodynia. Rats are transferred to an elevated testing cage with a wire mesh floor and allowed to acclimate for five to ten minutes. A series of von Frey monofilaments are applied to the plantar surface of the hindpaw to determine the animal's withdrawal threshold. The first filament used possesses a buckling weight of 9.1 gms (0.96 log value) and is applied up to five times to see if it elicits a withdrawal response. If the animal has a withdrawal response, then the next lightest filament in the series would be applied up to five times to determine if it also could elicit a response. This procedure is repeated with subsequent lesser filaments until there is no response and the identity of the lightest filament that elicits a response is recorded. If the animal does not have a withdrawal response from the initial 9.1 gms filament, then subsequent filaments of increased weight are applied until a filament elicits a response and the identity of this filament is recorded. For each animal, three measurements are made at every time point to produce an average withdrawal threshold determination. Tests can be performed prior to, and at 1, 2, 4 and 24 hours post drug administration.

Mechanical Hyperalgesia:

Sensitivity to noxious mechanical stimuli can be measured in animals using the paw pressure test to assess mechanical hyperalgesia. In rats, hind paw withdrawal thresholds (“PWT”), measured in grams, in response to a noxious mechanical stimulus are determined using an analgesymeter (Model 7200, commercially available from Ugo Basile of Italy), as described in Stein (Biochemistry & Behavior 31: 451-455 (1988)). The rat's paw is placed on a small platform, and weight is applied in a graded manner up to a maximum of 250 grams. The endpoint is taken as the weight at which the paw is completely withdrawn. PWT is determined once for each rat at each time point. PWT can be measured only in the injured paw, or in both the injured and non-injured paw. In one non-limiting embodiment, mechanical hyperalgesia associated with nerve injury induced pain (neuropathic pain) can be assessed in rats. Rats are tested prior to surgery to determine a baseline, or normal, PWT. Rats are tested again 2 to 3 weeks post-surgery, prior to, and at different times after (e.g. 1, 3, 0.5 and 24 hr) drug administration. An increase in PWT following drug administration indicates that the test compound reduces mechanical hyperalgesia.

Some compounds of the present invention significantly reduced mechanical hyperalgesia in the spinal nerve ligation (SNL; Chung model of neuropathic pain). For example, compounds 47 and 60 induced 10%-25% reversal of mechanical hyperalgesia from 1 to 3 hours following intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration.

In Vivo Assay for Anticonvulsant Activity

The compounds of the present invention can be tested for in vivo anticonvulsant activity after i.v., p.o., or i.p. injection using any of a number of anticonvulsant tests in mice, including the maximum electroshock seizure test (MES). Maximum electroshock seizures are induced in male NSA mice weighing between 15-20 g and in male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing between 200-225 g by application of current (for mice: 50 mA, 60 pulses/sec, 0.8 msec pulse width, 1 sec duration, D.C.; for rats: 99 mA, 125 pulses/sec, 0.8 msec pulse width, 2 sec duration, D.C.) using a Ugo Basile ECT device (Model 7801). Mice are restrained by gripping the loose skin on their dorsal surface and saline-coated corneal electrodes are held lightly against the two corneae. Rats are allowed free movement on the bench top and ear-clip electrodes are used. Current is applied and animals are observed for a period of up to 30 seconds for the occurrence of a tonic hindlimb extensor response. A tonic seizure is defined as a hindlimb extension in excess of 90 degrees from the plane of the body. Results can be treated in a quantal manner.

Pharmaceutical Compositions

Although a compound of the present invention may be administered to a mammal in the form of a raw chemical without any other components present, the compound is preferably administered as part of a pharmaceutical composition containing the compound combined with a suitable pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Such a carrier can be selected from pharmaceutically acceptable excipients and auxiliaries.

Pharmaceutical compositions within the scope of the present invention include all compositions where a compound of the present invention is combined with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In a preferred embodiment, the compound is present in the composition in an amount that is effective to achieve its intended therapeutic purpose. While individual needs may vary, a determination of optimal ranges of effective amounts of each compound is within the skill of the art. Typically, the compounds may be administered to a mammal, e.g., a human, orally at a dose of from about 0.0025 to about 1500 mg per kg body weight of the mammal, or an equivalent amount of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, prodrug, or solvate thereof, per day to treat, prevent or ameliorate the particular disorder. A useful oral dose of a compound of the present invention administered to a mammal is from about 0.0025 to about 50 mg per kg body weight of the mammal, or an equivalent amount of the pharmaceutically acceptable salt, prodrug, or solvate thereof. For intramuscular injection, the dose is typically about one-half of the oral dose.

A unit oral dose may comprise from about 0.01 to about 50 mg, and preferably about 0.1 to about 10 mg, of the compound. The unit dose can be administered one or more times daily, e.g., as one or more tablets or capsules, each containing from about 0.01 to about 50 mg of the compound, or an equivalent amount of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, prodrug or solvate thereof.

A pharmaceutical composition of the present invention can be administered to any animal that may experience the beneficial effects of a compound of the present invention. Foremost among such animals are mammals, e.g., humans and companion animals, although the invention is not intended to be so limited.

A pharmaceutical composition of the present invention can be administered by any means that achieves its intended purpose. For example, administration can be by the oral, parenteral, subcutaneous, intravenous, intramuscular, intraperitoneal, transdermal, intranasal, transmucosal, rectal, intravaginal or buccal route, or by inhalation. The dosage administered and route of administration will vary, depending upon the circumstances of the particular subject, and taking into account such factors as age, health, and weight of the recipient, condition or disorder to be treated, kind of concurrent treatment, if any, frequency of treatment, and the nature of the effect desired.

In one embodiment, a pharmaceutical composition of the present invention can be administered orally and is formulated into tablets, dragees, capsules or an oral liquid preparation. In one embodiment, the oral formulation comprises extruded multiparticulates comprising the compound of the invention.

Alternatively, a pharmaceutical composition of the present invention can be administered rectally, and is formulated in suppositories.

Alternatively, a pharmaceutical composition of the present invention can be administered by injection.

Alternatively, a pharmaceutical composition of the present invention can be administered transdermally.

Alternatively, a pharmaceutical composition of the present invention can be administered by inhalation or by intranasal or transmucosal administration.

Alternatively, a pharmaceutical composition of the present invention can be administered by the intravaginal route.

A pharmaceutical composition of the present invention can contain from about 0.01 to 99 percent by weight, and preferably from about 0.25 to 75 percent by weight, of active compound(s).

A method of the present invention, such as a method for treating a disorder responsive to the blockade of sodium channels in an animal in need thereof, can further comprise administering a second therapeutic agent to the animal in combination with a compound of the present invention. In one embodiment, the other therapeutic agent is administered in an effective amount.

Effective amounts of the other therapeutic agents are known to those skilled in the art. However, it is well within the skilled artisan's purview to determine the other therapeutic agent's optimal effective-amount range.

A compound of the present invention (i.e., the first therapeutic agent) and the second therapeutic agent can act additively or, in one embodiment, synergistically. Alternatively, the second therapeutic agent can be used to treat a disorder or condition that is different from the disorder or condition for which the first therapeutic agent is being administered, and which disorder or condition may or may not be a condition or disorder as defined herein. In one embodiment, a compound of the present invention is administered concurrently with a second therapeutic agent; for example, a single composition comprising both an effective amount of a compound of any of Formulae I-XX, and an effective amount of the second therapeutic agent can be administered. Accordingly, the present invention further provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a combination of a compound of the present invention, the second therapeutic agent, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Alternatively, a first pharmaceutical composition comprising an effective amount of a compound of any of Formulae I-XX and a second pharmaceutical composition comprising an effective amount of the second therapeutic agent can be concurrently administered. In another embodiment, an effective amount of a compound of the present invention is administered prior or subsequent to administration of an effective amount of the second therapeutic agent. In this embodiment, the compound of the present invention is administered while the second therapeutic agent exerts its therapeutic effect, or the second therapeutic agent is administered while the compound of the present invention exerts its therapeutic effect for treating a disorder or condition.

The second therapeutic agent can be an opioid agonist, a non-opioid analgesic, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent, an antimigraine agent, a Cox-II inhibitor, a β-adrenergic blocker, an anticonvulsant, an antidepressant, an anticancer agent, an agent for treating addictive disorder, an agent for treating Parkinson's disease and parkinsonism, an agent for treating anxiety, an agent for treating epilepsy, an agent for treating a seizure, an agent for treating a stroke, an agent for treating a pruritic condition, an agent for treating psychosis, an agent for treating ALS, an agent for treating a cognitive disorder, an agent for treating a migraine, an agent for treating vomiting, an agent for treating dyskinesia, or an agent for treating depression, or a mixture thereof.

Examples of useful opioid agonists include, but are not limited to, alfentanil, allylprodine, alphaprodine, anileridine, benzylmorphine, bezitramide, buprenorphine, butorphanol, clonitazene, codeine, desomorphine, dextromoramide, dezocine, diampromide, diamorphone, dihydrocodeine, dihydromorphine, dimenoxadol, dimepheptanol, dimethylthiambutene, dioxaphetyl butyrate, dipipanone, eptazocine, ethoheptazine, ethylmethylthiambutene, ethylmorphine, etonitazene, fentanyl, heroin, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, hydroxypethidine, isomethadone, ketobemidone, levorphanol, levophenacylmorphan, lofentanil, meperidine, meptazinol, metazocine, methadone, metopon, morphine, myrophine, nalbuphine, narceine, nicomorphine, norlevorphanol, normethadone, nalorphine, normorphine, norpipanone, opium, oxycodone, oxymorphone, papaveretum, pentazocine, phenadoxone, phenomorphan, phenazocine, phenoperidine, piminodine, piritramide, proheptazine, promedol, properidine, propiram, propoxyphene, sufentanil, tilidine, tramadol, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and mixtures thereof.

In certain embodiments, the opioid agonist is selected from codeine, hydromorphone, hydrocodone, oxycodone, dihydrocodeine, dihydromorphine, morphine, tramadol, oxymorphone, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and mixtures thereof.

Examples of useful non-opioid analgesics include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen, benoxaprofen, flurbiprofen, fenoprofen, flubufen, ketoprofen, indoprofen, piroprofen, carprofen, oxaprozin, pramoprofen, muroprofen, trioxaprofen, suprofen, aminoprofen, tiaprofenic acid, fluprofen, bucloxic acid, indomethacin, sulindac, tolmetin, zomepirac, tiopinac, zidometacin, acemetacin, fentiazac, clidanac, oxpinac, mefenamic acid, meclofenamic acid, flufenamic acid, niflumic acid, tolfenamic acid, diflurisal, flufenisal, piroxicam, sudoxicam, isoxicam, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and mixtures thereof. Examples of other suitable non-opioid analgesics include the following, non limiting, chemical classes of analgesic, antipyretic, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs: salicylic acid derivatives, including aspirin, sodium salicylate, choline magnesium trisalicylate, salsalate, diflunisal, salicylsalicylic acid, sulfasalazine, and olsalazin; para aminophennol derivatives including acetaminophen and phenacetin; indole and indene acetic acids, including indomethacin, sulindac, and etodolac; heteroaryl acetic acids, including tolmetin, diclofenac, and ketorolac; anthranilic acids (fenamates), including mefenamic acid, and meclofenamic acid; enolic acids, including oxicams (piroxicam, tenoxicam), and pyrazolidinediones (phenylbutazone, oxyphenthartazone); and alkanones, including nabumetone. For a more detailed description of the NSAIDs, see Paul A. Insel, Analgesic Antipyretic and Antiinflammatory Agents and Drugs Employed in the Treatment of Gout, in Goodman & Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics 617-57 (Perry B. Molinhoff and Raymond W. Ruddon eds., 9th ed 1996) and Glen R. Hanson, Analgesic, Antipyretic and Anti Inflammatory Drugs in Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy Vol II 1196-1221 (A. R. Gennaro ed. 19th ed. 1995) which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. Suitable Cox-II inhibitors and 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors, as well as combinations thereof, are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,136,839, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Examples of useful Cox II inhibitors include, but are not limited to, rofecoxib and celecoxib.

Examples of useful antimigraine agents include, but are not limited to, alpiropride, bromocriptine, dihydroergotamine, dolasetron, ergocornine, ergocorninine, ergocryptine, ergonovine, ergot, ergotamine, flumedroxone acetate, fonazine, ketanserin, lisuride, lomerizine, methylergonovine, methysergide, metoprolol, naratriptan, oxetorone, pizotyline, propranolol, risperidone, rizatriptan, sumatriptan, timolol, trazodone, zolmitriptan, and mixtures thereof.

Examples of useful β-adrenergic blockers include, but are not limited to, acebutolol, alprenolol, amosulabol, arotinolol, atenolol, befunolol, betaxolol, bevantolol, bisoprolol, bopindolol, bucumolol, bufetolol, bufuralol, bunitrolol, bupranolol, butidrine hydrochloride, butofilolol, carazolol, carteolol, carvedilol, celiprolol, cetamolol, cloranolol, dilevalol, epanolol, esmolol, indenolol, labetalol, levobunolol, mepindolol, metipranolol, metoprolol, moprolol, nadolol, nadoxolol, nebivalol, nifenalol, nipradilol, oxprenolol, penbutolol, pindolol, practolol, pronethalol, propranolol, sotalol, sulfinalol, talinolol, tertatolol, tilisolol, timolol, toliprolol, and xibenolol.

Examples of useful anticonvulsants include, but are not limited to, acetylpheneturide, albutoin, aloxidone, aminoglutethimide, 4-amino-3-hydroxybutyric acid, atrolactamide, beclamide, buramate, calcium bromide, carbamazepine, cinromide, clomethiazole, clonazepam, decimemide, diethadione, dimethadione, doxenitroin, eterobarb, ethadione, ethosuximide, ethotoin, felbamate, fluoresone, gabapentin, 5-hydroxytryptophan, lamotrigine, magnesium bromide, magnesium sulfate, mephenytoin, mephobarbital, metharbital, methetoin, methsuximide, 5-methyl-5-(3-phenanthryl)-hydantoin, 3-methyl-5-phenylhydantoin, narcobarbital, nimetazepam, nitrazepam, oxcarbazepine, paramethadione, phenacemide, phenetharbital, pheneturide, phenobarbital, phensuximide, phenylmethylbarbituric acid, phenytoin, phethenylate sodium, potassium bromide, pregabaline, primidone, progabide, sodium bromide, solanum, strontium bromide, suclofenide, sulthiame, tetrantoin, tiagabine, topiramate, trimethadione, valproic acid, valpromide, vigabatrin, and zonisamide.

Examples of useful antidepressants include, but are not limited to, binedaline, caroxazone, citalopram, (S)-citalopram, dimethazan, fencamine, indalpine, indeloxazine hydrocholoride, nefopam, nomifensine, oxitriptan, oxypertine, paroxetine, sertraline, thiazesim, trazodone, benmoxine, iproclozide, iproniazid, isocarboxazid, nialamide, octamoxin, phenelzine, cotinine, rolicyprine, rolipram, maprotiline, metralindole, mianserin, mirtazepine, adinazolam, amitriptyline, amitriptylinoxide, amoxapine, butriptyline, clomipramine, demexiptiline, desipramine, dibenzepin, dimetacrine, dothiepin, doxepin, fluacizine, imipramine, imipramine N-oxide, iprindole, lofepramine, melitracen, metapramine, nortriptyline, noxiptilin, opipramol, pizotyline, propizepine, protriptyline, quinupramine, tianeptine, trimipramine, adrafinil, benactyzine, bupropion, butacetin, dioxadrol, duloxetine, etoperidone, febarbamate, femoxetine, fenpentadiol, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, hematoporphyrin, hypericin, levophacetoperane, medifoxamine, milnacipran, minaprine, moclobemide, nefazodone, oxaflozane, piberaline, prolintane, pyrisuccideanol, ritanserin, roxindole, rubidium chloride, sulpiride, tandospirone, thozalinone, tofenacin, toloxatone, tranylcypromine, L-tryptophan, venlafaxine, viloxazine, and zimeldine.

Examples of useful anticancer agents include, but are not limited to, acivicin, aclarubicin, acodazole hydrochloride, acronine, adozelesin, aldesleukin, altretamine, ambomycin, ametantrone acetate, aminoglutethimide, amsacrine, anastrozole, anthramycin, asparaginase, asperlin, azacitidine, azetepa, azotomycin, batimastat, benzodepa, bicalutamide, bisantrene hydrochloride, bisnafide dimesylate, bizelesin, bleomycin sulfate, brequinar sodium, bropirimine, busulfan, cactinomycin, calusterone, caracemide, carbetimer, carboplatin, carmustine, carubicin hydrochloride, carzelesin, cedefingol, chlorambucil, cirolemycin, and cisplatin.

Therapeutic agents useful for treating an addictive disorder include, but are not limited to, methadone, desipramine, amantadine, fluoxetine, buprenorphine, an opiate agonist, 3-phenoxypyridine, or a serotonin antagonist.

Examples of useful therapeutic agents for treating Parkinson's disease and parkinsonism include, but are not limited to, carbidopa/levodopa, pergolide, bromocriptine, ropinirole, pramipexole, entacapone, tolcapone, selegiline, amantadine, and trihexyphenidyl hydrochloride.

Examples of useful therapeutic agents for treating anxiety include, but are not limited to, benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam, brotizolam, chlordiazepoxide, clobazam, clonazepam, clorazepate, demoxepam, diazepam, estazolam, flumazenil, flurazepam, halazepam, lorazepam, midazolam, nitrazepam, nordazepam, oxazepam, prazepam, quazepam, temazepam, and triazolam; non-benzodiazepine agents, such as buspirone, gepirone, ipsapirone, tiospirone, zolpicone, zolpidem, and zaleplon; tranquilizers, such as barbituates, e.g., amobarbital, aprobarbital, butabarbital, butalbital, mephobarbital, methohexital, pentobarbital, phenobarbital, secobarbital, and thiopental; and propanediol carbamates, such as meprobamate and tybamate.

Examples of useful therapeutic agents for treating epilepsy or seizure include, but are not limited to, carbamazepine, ethosuximide, gabapentin, lamotrigine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone, valproic acid, trimethadione, benzodiazepines, gamma-vinyl GABA, acetazolamide, and felbamate.

Examples of useful therapeutic agents for treating stroke include, but are not limited to, anticoagulants such as heparin, agents that break up clots such as streptokinase or tissue plasminogen activator, agents that reduce swelling such as mannitol or corticosteroids, and acetylsalicylic acid.

Examples of useful therapeutic agents for treating a pruritic condition include, but are not limited to, naltrexone; nalmefene; danazol; tricyclics such as amitriptyline, imipramine, and doxepin; antidepressants such as those given below; menthol; camphor; phenol; pramoxine; capsaicin; tar; steroids; and antihistamines.

Examples of useful therapeutic agents for treating psychosis include, but are not limited to, phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine hydrochloride, mesoridazine besylate, and thoridazine hydrochloride; thioxanthenes such as chloroprothixene and thiothixene hydrochloride; clozapine; risperidone; olanzapine; quetiapine; quetiapine fumarate; haloperidol; haloperidol decanoate; loxapine succinate; molindone hydrochloride; pimozide; and ziprasidone.

Examples of useful therapeutic agents for treating ALS include, but are not limited to, baclofen, neurotrophic factors, riluzole, tizanidine, benzodiazepines such as clonazepam and dantrolene.

Examples of useful therapeutic agents for treating cognitive disorders include, but are not limited to, agents for treating or preventing dementia such as tacrine; donepezil; ibuprofen; antipsychotic drugs such as thioridazine and haloperidol; and antidepressant drugs such as those given below.

Examples of useful therapeutic agents for treating a migraine include, but are not limited to, sumatriptan; methysergide; ergotamine; caffeine; and beta-blockers such as propranolol, verapamil, and divalproex.

Examples of useful therapeutic agents for treating vomiting include, but are not limited to, 5-HT3 receptor antagonists such as ondansetron, dolasetron, granisetron, and tropisetron; dopamine receptor antagonists such as prochlorperazine, thiethylperazine, chlorpromazine, metoclopramide, and domperidone; glucocorticoids such as dexamethasone; and benzodiazepines such as lorazepam and alprazolam.

Examples of useful therapeutic agents for treating dyskinesia include, but are not limited to, reserpine and tetrabenazine.

Examples of useful therapeutic agents for treating depression include, but are not limited to, tricyclic antidepressants such as amitryptyline, amoxapine, bupropion, clomipramine, desipramine, doxepin, imipramine, maprotiline, nefazadone, nortriptyline, protriptyline, trazodone, trimipramine, and venlafaxine; selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as citalopram, (S)-citalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, and setraline; monoamine oxidase inhibitors such as isocarboxazid, pargyline, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine; and psychostimulants such as dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate.

A pharmaceutical composition of the present invention is preferably manufactured in a manner which itself will be known in view of the instant disclosure, for example, by means of conventional mixing, granulating, dragee-making, dissolving, extrusion, or lyophilizing processes. Thus, pharmaceutical compositions for oral use can be obtained by combining the active compound with solid excipients, optionally grinding the resulting mixture and processing the mixture of granules, after adding suitable auxiliaries, if desired or necessary, to obtain tablets or dragee cores.

Suitable excipients include fillers such as saccharides (for example, lactose, sucrose, mannitol or sorbitol), cellulose preparations, calcium phosphates (for example, tricalcium phosphate or calcium hydrogen phosphate), as well as binders such as starch paste (using, for example, maize starch, wheat starch, rice starch, or potato starch), gelatin, tragacanth, methyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, and/or polyvinyl pyrrolidone. If desired, one or more disintegrating agents can be added, such as the above-mentioned starches and also carboxymethyl-starch, cross-linked polyvinyl pyrrolidone, agar, or alginic acid or a salt thereof, such as sodium alginate.

Auxiliaries are typically flow-regulating agents and lubricants such as, for example, silica, talc, stearic acid or salts thereof (e.g., magnesium stearate or calcium stearate), and polyethylene glycol. Dragee cores are provided with suitable coatings that are resistant to gastric juices. For this purpose, concentrated saccharide solutions may be used, which may optionally contain gum arabic, talc, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyethylene glycol and/or titanium dioxide, lacquer solutions and suitable organic solvents or solvent mixtures. In order to produce coatings resistant to gastric juices, solutions of suitable cellulose preparations such as acetylcellulose phthalate or hydroxypropylmethyl-cellulose phthalate can be used. Dye stuffs or pigments may be added to the tablets or dragee coatings, for example, for identification or in order to characterize combinations of active compound doses.

Examples of other pharmaceutical preparations that can be used orally include push-fit capsules made of gelatin, or soft, sealed capsules made of gelatin and a plasticizer such as glycerol or sorbitol. The push-fit capsules can contain a compound in the form of granules, which may be mixed with fillers such as lactose, binders such as starches, and/or lubricants such as talc or magnesium stearate and, optionally, stabilizers, or in the form of extruded multiparticulates. In soft capsules, the active compounds are preferably dissolved or suspended in suitable liquids, such as fatty oils or liquid paraffin. In addition, stabilizers may be added.

Possible pharmaceutical preparations for rectal administration include, for example, suppositories, which consist of a combination of one or more active compounds with a suppository base. Suitable suppository bases include natural and synthetic triglycerides, and paraffin hydrocarbons, among others. It is also possible to use gelatin rectal capsules consisting of a combination of active compound with a base material such as, for example, a liquid triglyceride, polyethylene glycol, or paraffin hydrocarbon.

Suitable formulations for parenteral administration include aqueous solutions of the active compound in a water-soluble form such as, for example, a water-soluble salt, alkaline solution, or acidic solution. Alternatively, a suspension of the active compound may be prepared as an oily suspension. Suitable lipophilic solvents or vehicles for such as suspension may include fatty oils (for example, sesame oil), synthetic fatty acid esters (for example, ethyl oleate), triglycerides, or a polyethylene glycol such as polyethylene glycol-400 (PEG-400). An aqueous suspension may contain one or more substances to increase the viscosity of the suspension, including, for example, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, sorbitol, and/or dextran. The suspension may optionally contain stabilizers.

The following examples are illustrative, but not limiting, of the compounds, compositions and methods of the present invention. Suitable modifications and adaptations of the variety of conditions and parameters normally encountered in clinical therapy and which are obvious to those skilled in the art in view of this disclosure are within the spirit and scope of the invention.

EXAMPLES Example 1 2-Nitro-3-[5-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl]propionic acid ethyl ester (6) 2-Amino-3-[5-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl]propionic acid ethyl ester (7)

(a) 2-Nitro-3-[5-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl]propionic acid ethyl ester (6) was prepared as follows. A mixture of compound 1 (1 g, 5.2 mmol, 1.0 eq, Aldrich), compound 2 (1.2 g, 5.6 mmol, Aldrich), K₂CO₃ (2.6 g, 18 mmol), bis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(II) chloride (Aldrich, 0.1 eq), water (0.1 mL) and EtOH (40 mL) in a 250 mL flask was flushed with argon, and heated to 60° C. for 18 hours. The reaction mixture was filtered, concentrated, and then suspended with water (100 mL), and extracted with CHCl₃ (2×100 mL). The organic layers were combined, concentrated and purified by column (Silica gel, CHCl₃/hexanes 1/2) to afford compound 3 as a brown solid (1 g, 67%): LC/MS: m/z=286 [M+H]⁺ (Calc: 285).

(b) A mixture of compound 3 (2 g, 7 mmol), compound 5 (1.5 eq, 37% aqueous solution), CH₂(NO₂)CO₂Et (4, 1.2 eq, Aldrich) and AcOH (3.0 eq) in 10 mL 1,4-dioxane was shaken at 78° C. for 14 hours. The solvent was removed under vacuum. The residue was suspended in CHCl₃ (30 mL), and neutralized with saturated NaHCO₃ aqueous to pH ˜8. The organic layer was separated, concentrated and purified by column (Silica gel, CHCl₃/hexanes 1/2, then, CHCl₃/MeOH 10/0.2) to get 2-nitro-3-[5-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl]propionic acid ethyl ester (6) as white solid (1.8 g, 60%): ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ: 8.1 (s, 1H), 7.72 (s, 1H), 7.58-7.63 (m, 2H), 7.34-7.46 (m, 4H), 7.05-7.15 (m, 6H), 5.45 (dd, 1H, 5.7 & 5.6 Hz), 4.26-4.32 (m, 2H), 3.68-3.82 (m, 2H), 1.28 (t, 3H, 7.1 Hz).

(c) 2-Amino-3-[5-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl]propionic acid ethyl ester (7) was prepared as follows. Compound 6 (0.5 g) was dissolved in a mixture of CHCl₃ (5 mL) and EtOH (15 mL). Palladium on carbon (10% wet, 0.25 g) was added to this solution, and shaken under hydrogen (50 PSI) for 24 hours at room temperature. After filtration over Celite, HCl (4N in 1,4-dioxane, 2 mL) was added to the mixture. The solvents were evaporated under vacuum to afford 2-amino-3-[5-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl]propionic acid ethyl ester (7) as a white solid (0.4 g, 80%): ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ: 7.75 (s, 1H), 7.65-7.71 (m, 2H), 7.35-7.51 (m, 4H), 7.05-7.15 (m, 5H), 0.4.2-4.4 (m, 3H), 3.4-3.5 (m, 2H), 1.2 (t, 3H, 7.2 Hz); LC/MS: m/z=401.5 [M+H]⁺ (Calc: 400.5).

Example 2 2-Amino-3-[5-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl]propionamide (8) 2-Amino-3-[5-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl]propionic acid (9)

(a) 2-Amino-3-[5-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl]propionamide (8) was prepared as follows. A mixture of compound 7 prepared in Example 1 (0.2 g), NH₃ (7N in MeOH, 6 mL) was shaken at 70° C. for 36 hours. EtOAc (40 mL) was added to the reaction mixture, then, washed with water and brine, concentrated and purified by column (EtOAc/MeOH 10/1, then EtOAc/MeOH/NH₄OH 10/2/0.5) to afford compound 8 as a yellow solid (0.11 g, 64%): ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ: 7.85 (s, 1H), 7.68-7.72 (m, 2H), 7.35-7.41 (m, 4H), 7.02-7.15 (m, 5H), 3.74-3.78 (m, 1H), 3.25-3.3 (m, 1H), 3.04-3.14 (m, 1H); LC/MS: m/z=372.5 [M+H]⁺ (Calc: 371.4).

(b) 2-Amino-3-[5-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl]propionic acid (9) was prepared as follows: NaOH (2N aqueous, 1 mL) was added to a solution of compound 7 prepared in Example 1 (0.2 g) in MeOH (4 mL) at 0° C. The reaction mixture was shaken at 30° C. for 24 hours. The solvents were evaporated under vacuum. The residues were dissolved in CHCl₃ (40 mL) and neutralized to pH ˜2 with 1N HCl aqueous. The organic layer was separated, washed with brine and concentrated to get a sticky oil, which was washed with Et₂O, and dried under vacuum to afford compound 9 as a HCl-salt (white solid, 7.0 mg, 35%): ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ: 7.88 (s, 1H), 7.58-7.72 (m, 2H), 7.25-7.41 (m, 414), 6.88-7.05 (m, 5H), 3.47-3.72 (m, 1H), 3.25-3.28 (m, 1H), 2.81-2.88 (m, 1H); LC/MS: m/z=358 [M+H]⁺ (Calc: 372.4).

Example 3 2-Amino-3-[5-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl]propan-1-ol (10)

2-Amino-3-[5-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl]propan-1-ol (10) was prepared as follows: A mixture compound 7 prepared in Example 1 (0.2 g, 1.0 eq) and NaBH₄ (4 eq) in 10 mL EtOH was shaken at room temperature for 72 hours. The solvent was removed under vacuum, then, water (10 mL) and EtOAc (40 mL) was added to it. The organic layer was separated, concentrated and purified by column (Silica gel, EtOAc/MeOH 10/1, then EtOAc/MeOH/NH₄OH 10/2/0.2) to get compound 10 as a yellow solid (60 mg, 38%): ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ: 7.76 (s, 1H), 7.6-7.65 (m, 2H), 7.32-7.46 (m, 4H), 7.16 (s, 1H), 7.02-7.12 (m, 5H), 3.74-3.78 (m, 1H), 3.55-3.6 (m, 1H), 3.4-3.46 (m, 1H), 3.06-3.12 (m, 1H), 2.96-3.02 (m, 1H); LC/MS: m/z=359.4 [M+H]⁺ (Calc: 358.4).

Example 4 2-Nitro-3-[6-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl]propionic acid ethyl ester (13) 2-Amino-3-[6-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl]propionic acid ethyl ester (14)

2-Nitro-3-[6-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl]propionic acid ethyl ester (13) and 2-amino-3-[6-(4-phenoxy-phenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl]-propionic acid ethyl ester (14) were prepared according to the procedure described in Example 1 using compound 11 (Combi-Blocks) as a starting material instead of compound 1. Compound 13 (HCl-salt) LC/MS: m/z=431.5 [M+H]⁺ (Calc. 430.5). Compound 14 (HCl-salt) LC/MS: m/z=401.5 [M+H]⁺ (Calc: 400.5).

Example 5 2-Amino-3-[6-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl]propionamide (15) 2-tert-Butoxycarbonylamino-2-[6-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl]propionic acid ethyl ester (16) 2-tert-Butoxycarbonylamino-2-[6-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl]propionic acid (17)

(a) 2-Amino-3-[6-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl]propionamide (15) was prepared as follows: A mixture of compound 14 prepared in Example 4 (0.2 g) and NH₃ (7N in MeOH, 6 mL, and 28% aqueous, 2 mL) was shaken at 70° C. for 16 hours. EtOAc (40 mL) and water (10 mL) were added to the reaction mixture. The organic layer was separated, concentrated and purified by column (EtOAc/MeOH 10/1, then EtOAc/MeOH/NH₄OH 10/2/0.5) to afford compound 15 as a brown solid (0.1 g, 53%): ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) S: 7.6 (d, 1H, 8.3 Hz), 7.46-7.55 (m, 3H), 7.18-7.28 (m, 3H), 7.06 (s, 1H), 6.92-7.05 (m, 5H), 3.58-3.62 (m, 1H), 3.1-3.15 (m, 1H), 2.88-2.94 (m, 1H); LC/MS: m/z=372.1 [M+H]⁺ (Calc: 371.4).

(b) 2-tert-Butoxycarbonylamino-3-[6-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl]-propionic acid ethyl ester (16) was prepared as follows: Triethylamine (0.15, 3.5 eq, TEA) was added to a solution of compound 14 prepared in Example 4 (0.2 g, 0.4 mmol) and di-tert-butyl dicarbonate (0.14 g, 1.5 eq) in 5 mL of chloroform at 0° C., and then the reaction mixture was warmed to 30° C. and shaken at 30° C. for 20 hours. Water was added to the reaction mixture and the organic layer was separated, and purified by column (Silica gel, CHCl₃/MeOH 10/1) to afford compound 16 as a white solid (190 mg, 90%): ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ: 8.14 (s, 1H), 7.6-7.65 (m, 3H), 7.55 (s, 1H), 7.36-7.41 (m, 3H), 6.98-7.15 (m, 6H), 5.1-5.14 (m, 1H), 4.64-4.68 (m, 1H), 4.14-4.18 (m, 2H), 3.3-3.34 (m, 2H), 1.44 (s, 9H), 1.24 (t, 3H, 7.2 Hz); LC/MS: m/z=523.5 [M+Na⁺]⁺ (Calc: 500.6).

(c) 2-tert-Butoxycarbonylamino-3-[6-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl]-propionic acid (17) was prepared as follows: A mixture of compound 16 (0.1 g in 4 mL MeOH) and NaOH (0.5N aqueous, 0.5 mL) was shaken at 30° C. for 24 hours. The solvent was removed under vacuum. The residue was suspended in CHCl₃ (20 mL), neutralized with 0.5N HCl to ˜pH 2, and concentrated to get compound 17 as a white solid (50 mg, 53%): ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD/CDCl₃ 3/1) δ: 7.8-7.84 (m, 3H), 7.75 (s, 1H), 747-7.57 (m, 3H), 7.2-7.32 (m, 6H), 4.61-4.65 (m, 1H), 3.51-3.55 (m, 1H), 3.31-3.37 (m, 1H), 1.43-1.6 (m, 9H); LC/MS: m/z=495.6 [M+Na⁺]⁺ (Calc: 472.5).

Example 6 2-Amino-3-[7-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl]propan-1-ol (22)

2-Amino-3-[7-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl]propan-1-ol (22) was prepared using the procedure described in Examples 1, 2 and 3 using compound 18 (Combi-Blocks) as starting material instead of compound 1. Compound 22 was obtained a white solid (HCl-salt): ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ: 7.46-7.53 (m, 3H), 7.25-7.3 (m, 2H), 7.14 (s, 1H), 6.95-7.06 (m, 7H), 3.66-3.71 (m, 1H), 3.45-3.55 (m, 2H), 3.0-3.06 (m, 2H); LC/MS: m/z=359.5 [M+H]⁺ (Calc: 358.4).

Example 7 2-Nitro-3-[2-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl]propionic acid ethyl ester (26) 2-Amino-3-[2-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl]propionic acid ethyl ester (27) 2-Amino-3-[2-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl]propionamide (28)

(a) 2-Nitro-3-[2-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl]propionic acid ethyl ester (26) was prepared as follows: A mixture of compound 23 (Aldrich, 3 g, 14.2 mmol), compound 24 (Aldrich, 2.1 g, 1.05 eq), AcOH (0.1 mL) and EtOH (25 mL) was heated at 80° C. under argon for 4 hours. The solvent was evaporated under vacuum, and polyphosphoric acid (20 g) was added to the residue. The resulting sticky mixture was stirred at 120° C. for 5 hours, and then poured into crushed ice, and then neutralized with 1N NaOH and extracted with DCM (3×30 mL). The organic layers were combined, washed with brine, and concentrated to give compound 25 as a blue solid (2.8 g, 70%): LC/MS: m/z=286.2 [M+H]⁺ (Calc: 285.3).

(b) A mixture of compound 25 (0.2 g, 0.7 mmol), paraformaldehyde (Aldrich, 0.1 g, 5 eq), compound 4 (0.18 g, 2.0 eq) and molecular sieves 4 Å (Aldrich, 0.4 g) in toluene (6 mL) was shaken at 95° C. for 2 hours. The mixture was then filtered, washed with CHCl₃ (4 mL) and purified by column (Silica gel, CHCl₃) to get compound 26 (0.1 g, brown oil, 34%): LC/MS: m/z=286.2 [M+H]⁺ (Calc: 285.3), which was dissolved in a mixture of CHCl₃ (5 mL) and EtOH (10 mL). Palladium on carbon (10% wet, 0.1 g) was added to this solution, and shaken under hydrogen (50 PSI) for 24 hours at room temperature. After filtration on Celite, HCl (4N in 1,4-dioxane, 2 mL) was added to the mixture. The solvents were evaporated under vacuum to give intermediate 27 as a brown solid (85 mg, 85%): LC/MS: m/z=401.1 [M+H]⁺ (Calc: 400.5).

(c) A mixture of compound 27 (70 mg) and NH₃ (7N in MeOH 4 mL, and 4 mL 28% aqueous) was heated under microwave at 110° C. for 2 hours. EtOAc (20 mL) and water (5 mL) were added to the reaction mixture. The organic layer was separated, concentrated and purified by column (EtOAc/MeOH 10/1, then EtOAc/MeOH/NH₄OH 10/2/0.5) to afford a brown oil, which was dissolved in 0.5N HCl aqueous (20 mL), and freeze dried under vacuum to give compound 28 as a HCl-salt (brown solid, 40 mg, 58%): ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ: 7.62-7.73 (m, 3H), 7.39-7.44 (m, 3H), 7.07-7.21 (m, 7H), 4.16-4.21 (m, 1H), 3.57-3.58 (m, 1H), 3.35-3.41 (m, 1H); LC/MS: m/z=372.1 [M+H]⁺ (Calc: 371.4).

Example 8 2-Nitro-3-[1-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl]propionic acid ethyl ester (32) 2-Amino-3-[1-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl]propionic acid ethyl ester (33) 2-Amino-3-[1-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl]propan-1-ol (34)

(a) 2-Nitro-3-[1-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl]propionic acid ethyl ester (32) was prepared as follows: A mixture of compound 29 (Aldrich, 1 g, 8.5 mmol, 1.0 eq), compound 30a (Aldrich, 1.2 eq), CuI (0.5 eq), K₂CO₃ (3 eq), and dimethylglycine (Aldrich, 0.1 eq) in DMF (10 mL) was heated at 150° C. for 30 minutes under microwave. The mixture was filtered, and dissolved in water/EtOAc (20 mL/100 mL). The organic layer was washed with brine, concentrated and purified by column (silica gel, CHCl₃/hexane 1/10) to afford compound 31 as a white solid (1.8 g, 70%): ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ: 7.59-7.62 (m, 1H), 7.42-7.44 (m, 1H), 7.28-7.37 (m, 4H), 7.21 (d, 1H, 3.2 Hz), 6.99-7.15 (m, 7H), 6.59 (dd, 1H, 0.8 & 3.2 Hz). A mixture of compound 31 (1.5 g, 5.3 mmol), compound 5 (3 eq, 37% aqueous solution), CH₂(NO₂)CO₂Et (4, 1.8 eq, Aldrich) and AcOH (5.0 eq) in 10 mL of 1,4-dioxane was shaken at 78° C. for 14 hours. The solvent was removed under vacuum. The residue was suspended in CHCl₃ (30 mL), then, neutralized with saturated NaHCO₃ aqueous to pH ˜8. The organic layer was separated, concentrated and purified by column (Silica gel, CHCl₃/hexanes 1/2, then, CHCl₃/MeOH 10/0.2) to obtain compound 32 as a brown oil (1.2 g, 50%): %): ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ: 7.66-7.68 (m, 1H), 7.51-7.53 (m, 1H), 7.4-7.44 (m, 4H), 7.1-7.3 (m, 8H), 5.51 (dd, 1H, 4.8 & 4.9 Hz), 4.32-4.35 (m, 2H), 3.72-3.87 (m, 2H), 1.3-1.35 (m, 3H).

(b) 2-Amino-3-[1-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl]propionic acid ethyl ester (33) was prepared as follows: Palladium on carbon (10% wet, 0.4 g) was added to a solution of compound 32 (1.2 g) in CHCl₃ (10 mL) and EtOH (30 mL). The reaction mixture was shaken under hydrogen (50 PSI) for 24 hours at room temperature. After filtration on Celite, HCl (4N in 1,4-dioxane, 4 mL) was added and the solvents were evaporated under vacuum to give compound 33 as a blue solid (1.1 g, 90%): LC/MS: m/z=401.1 [M+H]⁺ (Calc: 400.5).

(c) 2-Amino-3-[1-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl]propan-1-ol (34) was prepared as follows: A mixture of compound 33 (0.15 g, 1.0 eq) and NaBH₄ (4 eq) in 15 mL of EtOH was shaken at room temperature for 72 hours. The solvent was removed under vacuum. Water (10 mL) and EtOAc (40 mL) were added to the residue. The organic layer was separated, concentrated and purified by column (Silica gel, EtOAc/MeOH/NH₄OH 10/2/0.2) to get a sticky oil, which was dissolved in 25 mL of HCl (0.25N aqueous), then, freeze dried to afford compound 34 as a brown solid (45 mg, 35%): ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ: 7.59 (d, 1H, 7.9 Hz), 7.4-7.44 (m, 3H), 7.28-7.32 (m, 3H), 7.04-7.15 (m, 5H), 6.95-6.99 (m, 2H), 3.7-3.74 (m, 1H), 3.47-3.58 (m, 2H), 3.01-3.12 (m, 2H); LC/MS: m/z=359.1 [M+H]⁺ (Calc: 358.4).

Example 9 2-Amino-3-[1-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl]propionamide (35) 2-Amino-N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-3-[1-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl]-propionamide (37)

2-Amino-3-[1-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl]propionamide (35) was prepared according to the same procedure described for preparing compound 28 in Example 7. Compound 35 was obtained as a HCl-salt (white solid): ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ: 7.69-7.71 (m, 1H), 7.4-7.44 (m, 3H), 7.28-7.33 (m, 3H), 6.95-7.15 (m, 7H), 4.1-4.14 (m, 1H), 3.37-3.42 (m, 1H), 3.21-3.24 (m, 1H); LC/MS: m/z=372.5 [M+H]⁺ (Calc: 371.4).

2-Amino-N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-3-[1-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl]-propionamide (37) was prepared as follows: A mixture of compound 33 (0.1 g) prepared in Example 8, compound 36 (0.2 mL) and MeOH (0.2 mL) was heated under microwave at 100° C. for 30 minutes. The reaction mixture was diluted with CHCl₃ (15 mL), washed with water (4 mL), concentrated and purified by column (CHCl₃/MeOH 10/3) to afford an oil, which was dissolved in 15 mL of HCl (0.25N aqueous), then, freeze dried to afford compound 37 as a brown solid (65 mg, 63%): ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ: 7.75 (d, 1H, 7.4 Hz), 7.45-7.57 (m, 3H), 7.34-7.49 (m, 3H), 7.09-7.19 (m, 5H), 7.01-7.04 (m, 2H), 3.99-4.04 (m, 1H), 3.39-3.44 (m, 2H), 3.27-3.33 (m, 1H), 3.15-3.22 (m, 3H); LC/MS: m/z=416.2 [M+H]⁺ (Calc: 415.5).

Example 10 2-Methanesulfonylamino-3-[1-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl]propionamide (39)

2-Methane sulfonylamino-3-[1-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl]propionamide (39) was prepared as follows: MeSO₂Cl (0.3 g, 2.6 mmol) was added to a solution of compound 33 (0.2 g, 0.5 mmol) prepared in Example 8 and triethylamine (0.5 mL) in CHCl₃ (15 mL) at 0° C. The resulting mixture was shaken at 30° C. for 48 hours, and then washed with water (4 mL). The solvent was removed to give crude compound 38 (LC/MS: m/z=479.2 [M+H]⁺ (Calc: 478.2)), which was dissolved in NH₃ (2 mL 28% aqueous and 4 mL 7N in MeOH), and heated to 120° C. for 2 hours under microwave. The reaction mixture was diluted with CHCl₃ (45 mL), washed with water (10 mL), concentrated and purified by column (Silica gel, TCM/MeOH 10/1) to give compound 39 as a brown solid (60 mg, 30% in two steps): ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ: 7.61-7.63 (m, 1H), 7.41-7.42 (m, 1H), 7.3-7.34 (m, 4H), 7.0-7.18 (m, 8H), 6.13 (br, 1H, NH), 5.57 (br, 1H, NH), 5.2 (d, 1H, 7.9 Hz), 4.19-4.25 (m, 1H), 3.32-3.37 (m, 1H), 3.19-3.25 (m, 1H), 2.54 (s, 3H); LC/MS: m/z=450.1 [M+H]⁺ (Calc: 449.5).

Example 11 2-(1-(4-Phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl)ethanamine (43) (R)-5-{4-[3-(2-Amino-3-hydroxypropyl)-1H-indol-1-yl]phenoxy}-2-(trifluoromethyl)benzonitrile (44) (S)-4-{[3-(2-(Dimethylamino)ethyl)-1-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-5-yl]methyl}oxazolidin-2-one (45) (S)-5-{4-[3-((2-Oxooxazolidin-4-yl)methyl)-1H-indol-1-yl]phenoxy}-2-(trifluoromethyl)benzonitrile (46) (S)-5-{4-[3-(2-Amino-3-hydroxypropyl)-1H-indol-1-yl]phenoxy]-2-(trifluoromethyl)benzonitrile (47)

(a) The starting compound 5-(4-bromophenoxy)-2-(trifluoromethyl)benzonitrile (30b) was prepared as shown below:

Accordingly, a mixture of compound 40 (1.0 eq, Aldrich), compound 41 (2 g, 0.9 eq, Matrix Scientific) and K₂CO₃ (2 eq) in 25 mL of CH₃CN was heated at 80° C. under argon for 14 hours. After cooling to room temperature, water (30 mL) was added, extracted with EtOAc (2×100 mL), concentrated and purified by column (silica gel, Hexanes, then Hexanes/EtOAc 10/1) to give compound 30b as a white solid (2.8 g, 81%). ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ: 7.75 (d, 1H, 8.8 Hz), 7.57-7.61 (m, 2H), 7.36-7.37 (m, 1H), 6.97-7.01 (m, 2H), 7.08-7.11 (m, 2H).

(b) Compounds 43-47 were prepared as follows:

Accordingly, a corresponding mixture of 40a-e (1 mmol, 1.0 eq), compound 30a or 30b (1.2 eq), CuI (0.5 eq), K₂CO₃ (3 eq), and dimethylglycine (Aldrich, 0.1 eq) in DMF (10 mL) was heated at 150° C. for 1 hour under microwave. The mixture was filtered, and dissolved in water/EtOAc (20 mL/100 mL). The organic layer was washed with brine, concentrated and purified by column (silica gel, CHCl₃, then, CHCl₃/MeOH 10/1) to afford the desired compounds:

(c) 2-(1-(4-Phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl)ethanamine (43) was obtained as a sticky oil, which was dissolved in 10 mL HCl (0.2N) at room temperature, and then freeze dried to give a white solid (HCl-salt, 30%): ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ: 7.67-7.71 (m, 1H), 7.51-7.57 (m, 3H), 7.4-7.44 (m, 3H), 7.15-7.24 (m, 5H), 7.08-7.11 (m, 2H), 3.19-3.32 (m, 4H); LC/MS: m/z=329.2 [M+H]⁺ (Calc: 328.4).

(d) (R)-5-{4-[3-(2-Amino-3-hydroxypropyl)-1H-indol-1-yl]phenoxy}-2-(trifluoromethyl)benzonitrile (44) was obtained as a white solid (yield 50%): ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ: 7.93 (d, 1H, 8.8 Hz), 7.58-7.74 (m, 5H), 7.46-7.50 (m, 2H), 7.36-7.39 (m, 2H), 7.19-7.29 (m, 2H), 3.79-3.83 (m, 1H), 3.54-3.68 (m, 2H), 3.07-3.22 (m, 1H); LC/MS: m/z=452.2 [M+H]⁺ (Calc: 451.4).

(e) (S)-4-{[3-(2-(Dimethylamino)ethyl)-1-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-5-yl]methyl}oxazolidin-2-one (45) was obtained as a white solid (yield 70%): ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ: 7.35-7.48 (m, 6H), 7.24 (s, 1H), 7.05-7.16 (m, 6H), 4.37-4.43 (m, 1H), 4.18-4.23 (m, 2H), 2.95-3.09 (m, 6H), 2.54 (s, 6H); LC/MS: m/z=456.2 [M+H]⁺ (Calc: 455.5).

(f) (S)-5-{4-[3-((2-Oxooxazolidin-4-yl)methyl)-1H-indol-1-yl]phenoxy}-2-(trifluoromethyl)benzonitrile (46) was obtained as a white solid (yield 75%): ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ: 7.78 (d, 1H, 8.9 Hz), 7.45-7.59 (m, 5H), 7.32-7.35 (m, 1H), 7.28 (s, 1H), 7.07-7.24 (m, 4H), 4.35-4.4 (m, 1H), 4.12-4.23 (m, 2H), 2.95-3.09 (m, 2H); LC/MS: m/z=478.1 [M+H]⁺ (Calc: 477.4).

(g) (S)-5-{4-[3-(2-Amino-3-hydroxypropyl)-1H-indol-1-yl]phenoxy}-2-(trifluoromethyl)benzonitrile (47): white solid, 40%; ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ: 7.79 (d, 1H, 8.8 Hz), 7.46-7.62 (m, 5H), 7.33-7.36 (m, 1H), 7.29 (s, 1H), 7.08-7.24 (m, 4H), 3.66 (dd, 1H, 3.9 & 11.2 Hz), 3.51 (dd, 1H, 6.5 & 11.2 Hz), 3.32-3.38 (m, 1H), 3.04 (dd, 1H, 6.5 & 14.2 Hz), 2.9 (dd, 1H, 7.0 & 14.2 Hz); LC/MS: m/z=452.2 [M+H]⁺ (Calc: 451.4).

Example 12 (S)-2-Amino-3-[3-(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl)-1-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-5-yl]propan-1-ol (48)

(S)-2-Amino-3-[3-(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl)-1-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-5-yl]propan-1-ol (48) was prepared as follows: A mixture of compound 45 prepared in Example 11 (0.2 g, 0.4 mmol), 4 mL NaOH (2N aqueous) and 4 mL of ethanol was shaken at 80° C. for 2 hours. After cooling to room temperature, the reaction mixture was extracted with CHCl₃, concentrated and purified by column (silica gel, EtOAc/MeOH/NH₄OH 80/20/2) to give compound 48 as a sticky oil, which was dissolved in 10 mL of HCl (0.2N aqueous), and freeze dried to afford a white solid (110 mg, HCl-salt, ˜50%): ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ: 7.72 (s, 1H), 7.49-7.54 (m, 4H), 7.4-7.44 (m, 2H), 7.16-7.22 (m, 4H), 7.07-7.11 (m, 2), 3.73-3.75 (m, 1H), 3.53-3.62 (m, 4H), 3.08-3.12 (m, 2H), 3.1 (s, 6H); LC/MS: m/z=430.1 [M+H]⁺ (Calc: 429.5).

Example 13 5-{4-[3-(2-Ethoxyoxazolyl)-1H-indol-1-yl]phenoxy}-2-(trifluoromethyl)benzonitrile (50) 5-{4-[3-(1,2-Dihydroxyethyl)-1H-indol-1-yl]phenoxy}-2-(trifluoromethyl)benzonitrile (51)

(a) 5-{4-[3-(1,2-Dihydroxyethyl)-1H-indol-1-yl]phenoxy}-2-(trifluoromethyl)benzonitrile (51) was prepared as follows: Compound 49 was prepared according the same procedure described in Example 8 for preparing compound 31. Oxalyl chloride (2M in DCM, Aldrich, 3.0 eq) was added to a solution of compound 49 (0.2 g, 1.0 eq) in Et₂O (6 mL) at 0° C. The reaction mixture was warmed to room temperature over 1 hour. After 1.5 hours at room temperature, the reaction mixture was concentrated under vacuum, the residue was dissolved in chloroform (10 mL) and cooled to 0° C. EtOH (2 mL) was added to the above solution, and warmed to room temperature. After 1 hour, the reaction was quenched with water (6 mL), and extracted with chloroform (2×10 mL), concentrated and purified by column (silica gel, TCM/MeOH 10/1) to give compound 50 as a yellow solid (0.18 g, 72%): ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ: 8.48 (s, 1H), 8.42-8.45 (m, 1H), 7.71 (d, 1H, 8.8 Hz), 7.54-7.57 (m, 2H), 7.27-7.42 (m, 5H), 7.2-7.23 (m, 2H), 4.35 (q, 2H, 7.0 Hz), 1.36 (t, 3H, 7.0 Hz).

(b) A mixture of compound 50 (0.15 g) and NaBH₄ (100 mg) in 10 mL of EtOH/THF (1/1) was shaken at room temperature for 2 hours. The reaction was quenched with water, extracted with TCM and purified by column (MeOH/TCM 0.5/10, Rf 0.5) to give the title compound 51 as a white solid (90 mg, 70%): ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ: 7.83 (d, 1H, 8.9 Hz), 7.76-7.78 (m, 1H), 7.6-7.63 (m, 2H), 7.57 (s, 1H), 7.54-7.56 (m, 1H), 7.49-7.5 (m, 1H), 7.39-7.42 (m, 1H), 7.15-7.3 (m, 4H), 4.68-4.71 (m, 1H), 3.97-4.02 (m, 1H), 3.8-3.84 (m, 1H); LC/MS: m/z=461.0 [M+Na⁺] (Calc: 438.4).

Example 14 (S)-5-{4-[3-(2,3-Dihydroxypropyl)-1H-indol-1-yl]phenoxy}-2-(trifluoromethyl)benzonitrile (54)

(a) (S)-5-{4-[3-(2,3-Dihydroxypropyl)-1H-indol-1-yl]phenoxy}-2-(trifluoromethyl)benzonitrile (54) was prepared as follows: Compound 29 (1.2 g, 1.0 eq) in THF (10 mL) was added to a solution of MeMgBr (3.0N in diethyl ether, Aldrich, 1.2 eq) at room temperature. After 1 hour at room temperature, the mixture was cooled to −10° C., and a solution of allylbromide (Aldrich, 1.0 eq, in 4 mL THF) was added over 5 minutes. The reaction mixture was warmed to room temperature, and left at room temperature for 24 hours. The reaction was quenched with water (20 mL), extracted with EtOAc (2×100 mL), concentrated and purified by column to afford compound 52 as a brown oil (0.8 g, 50%): ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ: 7.9 (br, 1H), 7.66-7.68 (m, 1H), 7.37-7.40 (m, 1H), 7.2-7.3 (m, 2H), 7.0-7.02 (m, 1H), 6.61-6.63 (m, 1H), 6.1-6.2 (m, 1H), 5.2-5.26 (m, 1H), 5.13-5.16 (m, 1H), 3.59-3.61 (m, 2H).

(b) Compound 53 was prepared according the same procedure described in Example 8 for preparing compound 31 using compounds 52 and 30b as starting materials. Compound 53 was obtained as a yellow oil (60%): LC/MS: m/z=419.1 [M+H⁺] (Calc: 418.4)].

(c) Admix-β (0.2 g, Aldrich) was added to a solution of compound 53 (0.1 g) in 30 mL of t-BuOH/water (1/1) at 0° C. The reaction mixture was slowly warmed to 38° C. for two days. The reaction mixture was diluted with water (40 mL), extracted with CHCl₃, concentrated and purified by column (silica gel, TCM/MeOH 10/0.4) to obtain the title compound 54 as a brown solid (50 mg, yield 60%): ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD/CDCl₃ 1/1) δ: 7.82 (d, 1H, 8.9 Hz), 7.6-7.7 (m, 3H), 7.5-7.56 (m, 2H), 7.38-7.41 (m, 1H), 7.32 (s, 1H), 7.14-7.28 (m, 4H), 4.01-4.05 (m, 1H), 3.5-3.60 (m, 2H), 2.9-3.1 (m, 2H); LC/MS: m/z=453.3 [M+H]⁺ (Calc: 452.4).

Example 15 (S)-5-{4-[3-(2-Amino-3-hydroxypropyl)-1H-indol-1-yl]phenoxy}benzonitrile (57)

(a) Intermediate 56 was prepared according the same procedure described in Example 11 for preparing compound 30b using compounds 55 (ALDRICH) and 40 as starting materials. Compound 56 was obtained as a white solid (80%): LC/MS: m/z=275.9 [M+H+] (Calc: 274.1)].

(b) (S)-5-{4-[3-(2-Amino-3-hydroxypropyl)-1H-indol-1-yl]phenoxy}-benzonitrile (57) was prepared according the same procedure described in Example 11 for preparing compound 47 using compounds 56 and 40e as starting materials. Compound 57 was obtained as a yellow solid (60%): ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD): δ 7.6-7.6 (m, 3H), 7.52 (d, 2H, 8.8 Hz), 7.46 (d, 1H, 8.1 Hz), 7.35 (s, 1H), 7.08-7.24 (m, 6H), 3.66 (dd, 1H, 3.5 & 11.2 Hz), 3.5-3.58 (m, 2H), 3.04-3.14 (m, 2H); LC/MS: m/z=384.1 [M+H]⁺ (Calc: 383.4).

Example 16 2-(1-(4-(3-Cyano-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy)phenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl)-2-oxoacetamide (59) 2-(1-(4-(3-Cyano-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy)phenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl)-2-hydroxyacetamide (60)

(a) A mixture of compound 29 (0.5 g, 1.0 eq), compound 30b (1.1 eq), CuI (0.4 eq), K₂CO₃ (3 eq), and N,N-dimethylglycine (0.2 eq) in DMF (10 mL) was heated at 165° C. for 2 hours under microwave. The mixture was poured into water/EtOAc (40 mL/200 mL). The organic layer was separated, washed with brine, concentrated and purified by column (silica gel, CHCl₃/hexane 1/8) to afford compound 49 as a brown solid (0.82 g, 50%): LC/MS: m/z=379.2 [M+H]⁺ (Calc: 378.4).

(b) Compound 58 (2N in DCM, 1 mL) was added to a solution of compound 49 (0.5 g) in 10 mL of Et₂O at 0° C. The reaction mixture was shaken at 0° C. for 1.5 hours and then concentrated under vacuum. The residue was quenched with ammonium hydroxide (29% aqueous) at 0° C., shaken at room temperature for 1 hour, extracted with EtOAc, and purified by column (CHCl₃/MeOH 10/1) to give compound 59 as a white solid (0.15 g, 26%): ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 9.05 (s, 1H), 8.43-8.46 (m, 1H), 7.73 (d, 1H, 8.9 Hz), 7.56 (d, 2H, 8.9 Hz), 7.4-7.45 (m, 2H), 7.26-7.36 (m, 4H), 7.22 (d, 2H, 8.9 Hz), 5.47 (br, 1H), 3.79 (d, 2H, 5.8 Hz); LC/MS: m/z=450.1 [M+H]⁺ (Calc: 449.4).

(c) NaBH₄ (40 mg) was added to a solution of compound 59 in EtOH/THF (2 mL/2 mL) at room temperature, and the mixture was shaken at room temperature for 3 hours. The reaction was quenched with water, extracted with EtOAc (30 mL), concentrated, and purified by column (CHCl₃/MeOH 7/1) to give compound 60 as a white solid (70 mg, 70%): ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD): δ 7.92 (d, 1H, 8.8 Hz), 7.87 (d, 1H, 7.9 Hz), 7.66-7.69 (m, 3H), 7.53-7.56 (m, 2H), 7.45-7.48 (m, 1H), 7.35-7.38 (m, 1H), 7.15-7.25 (m, 2H), 5.41 (br, 1H); LC/MS: m/z=474.3 [M+Na]⁺ (Calc: 451.4).

Example 17 Methyl 3-(2-amino-1-hydroxy-2-oxoethyl)-1-(4-(3-cyano-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy)phenyl)-1H-indole-6-carboxylate (65)

The title compound 65 (white solid) was prepared following the same procedure used for preparing compound 60 in Example 16: ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD): δ 8.24 (s, 1H), 7.92 (dd, 1H, 1.5 & 8.5 Hz), 7.8-7.84 (m, 2H), 7.62 (s, 1H), 7.59 (d, 2H, 8.9 Hz), 7.48 (d, 1H, 2.6 Hz), 7.37-7.39 (m, 1H), 7.28-7.3 (m, 1H), 6.35 (br, 1H), 5.7 (br, 1H), 5.51 (s, 1H), 3.95 (s, 3H); LC/MS: m/z=532.0 [M+Na]⁺ (Calc: 509.4).

Example 18 (S)-2-(1-(4-(3-Cyano-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy)phenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl)-N-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-2-oxoacetamide (68) 2-(1-(4-(3-Cyano-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy)phenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl)-N—((S)-2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-2-hydroxyacetamide (69)

(a) Compound 58 (2N in DCM, 1 mL) was added to a solution of 49 (0.5 g) in 10 mL of Et₂O at 0° C. The reaction mixture was shaken at 0° C. for 1.5 hours and then concentrated under vacuum. The residue was dissolved in DCM (4 mL) and treated with compound 66 (1.5 eq) at 0° C. The mixture was shaken at room temperature for 30 min and then concentrated, and purified by column (CHCl₃/MeOH 10/1) to give compound 67 as a sticky oil (LC/MS: m/z=490.0 [M+H]⁺ (Calc: 489.4), which was suspended in 20 mL of tert-BuOH/water (1/1) and cooled to 0° C. Ad-mix-α (1.5 g) was added to the reaction mixture, and the resulting mixture was shaken at room temperature for 36 hours. Water (15 mL) and EtOAc (40 mL) were added to the reaction mixture. The organic layer was separated, washed with brine, concentrated and purified by column (silica gel, EtOAc/MeOH 10/1) to give compound 68 as a white solid (0.2 g, 29% in two steps): ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD): δ 9.02 (s, 1H), 8.43-8.46 (m, 1H), 7.9 (d, 1H, 8.9 Hz), 7.72 (d, 2H, 8.8 Hz), 7.62 (d, 1H, 2.6 Hz), 7.53-7.56 (m, 1H), 7.45-7.48 (m, 1H), 7.35-7.4 (m, 4H), 3.82-3.86 (m, 1H), 3.55-3.61 (m, 3H), 3.38-3.42 (m, 1H); LC/MS: m/z=524.0 [M+H]⁺ (Calc: 523.4).

(b) NaBH₄ (20 mg) was added to a solution of compound 68 (50 mg) in EtOH/THF (2 mL/2 mL) at room temperature, and the mixture was shaken at room temperature for 1 hour. The reaction was quenched with water, extracted with EtOAc (30 mL), concentrated, and purified by column (CHCl₃/MeOH 10/1.5) to give compound 69 as a white solid (40 mg, 40%): ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD): δ 7.72-7.76 (m, 2H), 7.49-7.53 (m, 2H), 7.3-7.46 (m, 4H), 7.05-7.21 (m, 4H), 5.35-5.37 (m, 1H), 3.67-3.73 (m, 1H), 3.43-3.47 (m, 3H), 3.28-3.32 (m, 1H); LC/MS: m/z=548.2 [M+Na]⁺ (Calc: 525.4).

Example 19 (2S,2′S)-3,3′-(5-(4-(4-Fluorophenoxy)phenyl)-1H-indole-1,3-diyl)bis(propane-1,2-diol) (74)

(a) Compound 71 (white solid, 70%) was prepared following the procedure described in Example 1 for preparing compound 3: ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD): δ 8.12 (br, 1H), 7.75 (s, 1H), 7.52 (d, 2H, 8.9 Hz), 7.32-7.44 (m, 3H), 7.15-7.17 (m, 1H), 6.94-6.98 (m, 5H), 6.52-6.54 (m, 1H).

(b) Sodium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide (2 mL, 1.0 M in THF, Aldrich) was added to a solution of compound 71 (0.2 g) and compound 72 (0.25 mL) in 10 mL of THF at room temperature. The reaction mixture was shaken at room temperature for 36 hours. The reaction was quenched with water (20 mL), extracted with EtOAc, concentrated and purified by column (silica gel, EtOAc/hexanes 10/1) to get a crude compound 73 (80 mg, 30%, (LC/MS: m/z=384.2 [M+H]⁺ (Calc: 383.4).

(c) Ad-mix-α (0.8 g) was added to a solution of compound 73 (50 mg) in 10 mL of t-BuOH/water (1/1) at room temperature. The mixture was shaken at room temperature for 36 hours. Water (15 mL) and EtOAc (40 mL) were added to the reaction mixture. The organic layer was separated, washed with brine, concentrated and purified by column (silica gel, CHCl₃/MeOH 10/1) to give the title compound 74 as a white solid (40 mg, 50%): ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD): δ 7.81 (d, 1H, 1.3 Hz), 7.65 (d, 2H, 8.6 Hz), 7.4-7.5 (m, 2H), 7.02-7.16 (m, 7H), 4.3-4.36 (m, 1H), 4.09-4.16 (m, 1H), 3.96-4.02 (m, 2H), 3.52-3.62 (m, 4H), 3.0-3.06 (m, 1H), 2.84-2.91 (m, 1H); LC/MS: m/z=452.2 [M+H]⁺ (Calc: 451.5).

Example 20 (S)-4-(4-(3-(2,3-Dihydroxypropyl)-1H-indol-1-yl)phenoxy)benzonitrile (76) (R)-4-(4-(3-(2,3-Dihydroxypropyl)-1H-indol-1-yl)phenoxy)benzonitrile (77)

(a) Compound 29 (5 g, 42 mmol in 10 mL THF) was added to a solution of ethylmagnesium bromide (1.0 M in THF, 50 mL, Aldrich) at room temperature under argon. The resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 hours. The reaction mixture was cooled to −20° C., and a solution of compound 72 (6 g, in 20 mL of THF) was added to the cooled reaction mixture over 5 min. The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature over night. The reaction was quenched with water (40 mL), and extracted with EtOAc (2×200 mL). The combined organic layer was washed with brine, concentrated and purified by column to get compound 52 as a colorless oil (4 g, 60%): ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 7.87 (br, 1H, NH), 7.67 (dd, 1H, 1.0 & 7.9 Hz), 7.37-7.4 (m, 1H), 7.25 (dt, 1H, 1.3 & 8.1 Hz), 7.16-7.19 (m, 1H), 7.0-7.1 (m, 1H), 6.08-6.18 (m, 1H), 5.2-5.26 (m, 1H), 5.11-5.15 (m, 1H), 3.57-3.59 (m, 2H).

(b) A mixture of compound 52 (0.3 g, 1.0 eq), compound 56 (1.1 eq), CuI (0.2 eq), K₂CO₃ (3 eq), and N,N-dimethylglycine (0.1 eq) in DMF (10 mL) was heated at 165° C. for 2 hours under microwave. The mixture was poured into water/EtOAc (40 mL/200 mL). The organic layer was washed with brine, concentrated and purified by column (silica gel, CHCl₃/hexane 2/7) to afford compound 75 as a colorless oil (0.42 g, 58%): ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 7.56-7.61 (m, 3H), 7.45-7.48 (m, 3H), 7.11-7.18 (m, 4H), 7.06-7.07 (m, 1H), 7.0-7.03 (m 2H), 5.12-5.19 (m, 1H), 5.03-5.07 (m, 1H), 3.5-3.53 (m, 2H).

(c) Ad-mix-α (1.5 g) was added to a solution of compound 75 (0.2 g) in 30 mL of t-BuOH/water (1/1) at 0° C. The mixture was shaken at room temperature for 36 hours. Water (40 mL) and EtOAc (100 mL) were added to the reaction mixture. The organic layer was separated, washed with brine, concentrated and purified by column (silica gel, CHCl₃/MeOH 10/1) to give the title compound 76 as a yellow solid (160 mg, 72%): ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD): δ 7.74-7.78 (m, 2H), 7.68-7.71 (m, 1H), 7.61-7.64 (m, 2H), 7.53-7.56 (m, 1H), 7.36 (s, 1H), 7.28-7.31 (m, 2H), 7.13-7.23 (m, 4H), 3.98-4.04 (m, 1H), 3.55-3.64 (m, 2H), 3.05-3.09 (m, 1H), 2.88-2.94 (m, 1H); LC/MS: m/z=385.1 [M+H]⁺ (Calc: 384.4).

(d) (1.5 g) was added to a solution of compound 75 (0.2 g) in 30 mL of t-BuOH/water (1/1) at 0° C. The mixture was shaken at room temperature for 36 hours. Water (40 mL) and EtOAc (100 mL) were added to the reaction mixture. The organic layer was separated, washed with brine, concentrated and purified by column (silica gel, CHCl₃/MeOH 10/1) to give the title compound 77 as a yellow solid (180 mg, 80%): ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD): δ 7.74-7.78 (m, 2H), 7.68-7.71 (m, 1H), 7.61-7.64 (m, 2H), 7.53-7.56 (m, 1H), 7.36-7.38 (m, 1H), 7.28-7.31 (m, 2H), 7.13-7.23 (m, 4H), 3.98-4.04 (m, 1H), 3.55-3.64 (m, 2H), 3.05-3.09 (m, 1H), 2.88-2.93 (m, 1H); LC/MS: m/z=385.1 [M+H]⁺ (Calc: 384.4).

Example 21 (S)-3-(1-(4-(4-(Trifluoromethyl)phenoxy)phenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl)propane-1,2-diol (80) (S)-3-(1-(4-((5-(Trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)oxy)phenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl)propane-1,2-diol (83)

(a) Compound 80 (white solid) was prepared according to the procedure described for preparing compound 76 in Example 20, wherein compound 52 is reacted with compound 78 (1-trifluoromethyl-4-(4-iodophenoxy)benzene prepared in Example 33): ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD): δ 7.57-7.61 (m, 3H), 7.51 (d, 1H, 8.8 Hz), 7.42-7.45 (m, 1H), 7.25 (s, 1H), 7.17 9d, 2H, 8.9 Hz), 7.04-7.14 (m, 4H), 3.88-3.94 (m, 1H), 3.45-3.56 (m, 2H), 2.93-2.95 (m, 1H), 2.77-2.84 (m, 1H); LC/MS: m/z=450.2 [M+Na]⁺ (Calc: 427.4).

(b) Compound 83 (yellow solid) was prepared according to the procedure described for preparing compound 76 in Example 20, wherein compound 52 is reacted compound 81 (4-bromophenoxy-5-trifluoromethylpyridine prepared in Example 35): ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD): δ 8.36 (s, 1H), 7.98 (dd, 1H, 2.6 & 8.8 Hz), 7.58 (d, 1H, 7.8 Hz), 7.45-7.52 (m, 3H), 7.22-7.26 (m, 3H), 7.04-7.14 (m, 3H), 3.9-3.95 (m, 1H), 3.45-3.56 (m, 2H), 2.93-2.99 (m, 1H), 2.8-2.84 (m, 1H); LC/MS: m/z=429.1 [M+H]⁺ (Calc: 428.4).

Example 22 (S)-4-(3-(2,3-Dihydroxypropyl)-1H-indol-1-yl)-N-(4-fluorophenyl)-N-methylbenzenesulfonamide (90) (S)-4-(3-(2,3-Dihydroxypropyl)-1H-indol-1-yl)-N-(4-fluorophenyl)benzenesulfonamide (92)

(a) General procedure for the synthesis of intermediates 86 and 88: Compound 84 (1.05 eq) was added to a solution of the amine 85 or 87 (1.0 eq) and pyridine (1.2 eq) in 10 mL of THF at 0° C. The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature over 1 hour, and the mixture was shaken at room temperature for 2 hours. The reaction mixture was quenched with water (20 mL), and extracted with EtOAc (40 mL). The organic layer was separated and washed with HCl (0.4N, 10 mL) and brine, and concentrated to give the desired compound 86 and 88, respectively, as a pink solid (˜90%).

Compound 86: ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.58-7.64 (m, 4H), 7.04-7.08 (m, 2H), 6.96-7.01 (m, 2H), 6.69 (br, 1H).

Compound 88: ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.63 (d, 2H, 8.8 Hz), 7.42 (d, 2H, 8.8 Hz), 7.0-7.09 (m, 4H), 3.18 (s, 3H).

(b) The title compound 90 (white solid) was prepared following the procedure described for preparing compound 76 in Example 20: ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD): δ 7.45-7.56 (m, 6H), 7.26 (s, 1H), 6.96-7.08 (m, 4H), 6.88-6.92 (m, 2H), 3.76-3.82 (m, 1H), 3.32-3.42 (m, 2H), 3.03 (s, 3H), 2.82-2.88 (m, 1H), 2.64-2.72 (m, 1H); LC/MS: m/z=455.2 [M+H]⁺ (Calc: 454.5).

(c) The title compound 92 (white solid) was prepared following the procedure described for preparing compound 76 in Example 20: ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD): δ 7.78 (d, 2H, 8.9 Hz), 7.57-7.61 (m, 3H), 7.49-7.52 (m, 1H), 7.3 (s, 1H), 7.03-7.15 (m, 4H), 6.88-6.92 (m, 2H), 3.84-3.92 (m, 1H), 3.41-3.52 (m, 2H), 2.91-2.98 (m, 1H), 2.74-2.79 (m, 1H); LC/MS: m/z=441.1 [M+H]⁺ (Calc: 440.5).

Example 23 (R)-2-(1-(4-(3-Cyano-4-trifluoromethyl)phenoxy)phenyl)-5-(1,2-dihydroxyethyl)-1H-indol-3-yl)-2-oxoacetic acid (98)

(a) n-BuLi (15 mL, 2.5 M in hexanes, Aldrich) was added to a suspension of compound 94 (15 g) in 100 mL of THF at −40° C. The reaction mixture was warmed to 0° C. over a period of 2 hours and then cooled to −30° C. In another flask, sodium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide (34 mL, 1M in THF) was added to a solution of compound 93 (5 g) in 40 mL THF at room temperature. The resulting solution was transferred to the above cooled solution (−30° C.). The resulting suspension was allowed to warm to room temperature over night. The reaction was quenched with water (100 mL), extracted with EtOAc (2×200 mL), washed with brine, concentrated and purified by column (EtAOc/hexanes 2/9) to obtain compound 95 as a colorless oil (4 g, 80%).

(b) A mixture of compound 95 (0.3 g, 1.0 eq), compound 30b (1.1 eq), CuI (0.2 eq), K₂CO₃ (3 eq), and N,N-dimethylglycine (0.1 eq) in DMF (10 mL) was heated at 165° C. for 2 hours under microwave. The mixture was poured into water/EtOAc (40 mL/200 mL). The organic layer was washed with brine, concentrated and purified by column (silica gel, CHCl₃/hexane 2/7) to afford compound 96 as a white solid (0.42 g, 48%): ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 7.79 (d, 1H, 8.7 Hz), 7.72 (s, 1H), 7.2-7.61 (m, 9H), 6.84 (dd, 1H, 10.9 & 17.5 Hz), 6.72 (d, 1H, 3.3 Hz), 5.76 (d, 1H, 17.5 Hz), 5.22 (d, 1H, 10.9 Hz).

(c) Compound 58 (2N in DCM, 0.4 mL) was added to a solution of compound 96 (0.2 g) in 10 mL of Et₂O at 0° C. The reaction mixture was shaken at 0° C. for 1.5 hours and then concentrated under vacuum. The residue was dissolved in DCM/MeOH (4 mL/2 mL) at 0° C. The mixture was shaken at room temperature for 30 min, and then concentrated and purified by column (CHCl₃/MeOH 10/0.2) to give compound 97 as a sticky oil (0.1 g, 42%, LC/MS: m/z=491.2 [M+H]⁺ (Calc: 490.4)).

(d) Ad-mix-β (1.0 g) was added to a suspension of compound 97 (0.1 g) in 20 mL of t-BuOH/water (1/1) at 0° C. The reaction mixture was shaken at room temperature for 36 hours. Water (15 mL) and EtOAc (40 mL) were added to the reaction mixture. The organic layer was separated, neutralized to pH ˜4, washed with brine, concentrated and purified by column (silica gel, EtOAc/MeOH 5/2) to give the title compound 98 as a yellow solid (30 mg): ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 8.52 (s, 1H), 8.24 (s, 1H), 7.96 (d, 1H, 8.8 Hz), 7.91 (d, 1H, 2.6 Hz), 7.74 (d, 2H, 8.8 Hz), 7.3-7.5 (m, 5H), 4.63 (t, 1H, 6.1 Hz), 3.38-3.42 (m, 4H); LC/MS: m/z=511.1 [M+H]⁺ (Calc: 510.4).

Example 24 (S)-3-(2,3-Dihydroxypropyl)-1-(4-(4-fluorophenoxy)phenyl)-1H-indole-6-carbonitrile (105)

(a) A mixture of compound 99 (0.5 g, 1.0 eq), compound 100 (1.1 eq), CuI (0.4 eq), K₂CO₃ (3 eq), and N,N-dimethylglycine (0.2 eq) in DMF (10 mL) was heated at 165° C. for 2 hours under microwave. The mixture was poured into water/EtOAc (40 mL/200 mL). The organic layer was washed with brine, concentrated and purified by column (silica gel, EtOAc/hexane 1/7) to afford compound 101 as a colorless oil (0.8 g, 70%): ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 7.71 (s, 1H), 7.66 (dd, 1H, 0.66 & 8.1 Hz), 7.41 (d, 1H, 3.3 Hz), 7.3-7.34 (m, 3H), 6.99-7.07 (m, 6H), 6.67 (dd, 1H, 0.88 & 3.28 Hz).

(b) NBS (0.2 g) was added to a solution of compound 101 (0.3 g) in 10 mL of DCM at 0° C. After 2 hours at 0˜5° C., the reaction was quenched with aqueous NaOH (0.2N 10 mL), and extracted with DCM (2×30 mL). The combined organic layer was washed with brine and concentrated to give compound 102 as a yellow solid: ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 7.66 (s, 1H), 7.63 (d, 1H, 8.3 Hz), 7.44 (s, 1H), 7.4 (dd, 1H, 0.87 & 8.3 Hz), 7.31 (d, 2H, 8.3 Hz), 7.01-7.07 (m, 6H).

(c) To a solution of compound 102 (0.3 g, 1.0 eq) in 1,4-dioxane (10 mL) was added compound 103 (1.5 eq), CsF (3.0 eq) and PdCl₂(dppf).CH₂Cl₂ (0.2 eq) at room temperature under N₂. The mixture was shaken at 90° C. for 2 hours. The reaction mixture was diluted with H₂O (20 mL) and then extracted with EtOAc (2×40 mL). The organic layer were washed with brine, evaporated and purified by column (silica gel, EtOAc/Hexanes 5/95) to get compound 104 as a colorless oil (0.15 g, 55%, LC/MS: m/z=369.2 [M+H]⁺ (Calc: 368.4)).

(d) Ad-mix-α (1.0 g) was added to a solution of compound 104 (0.15 g) in 30 mL of i-PrOH/water (2/1) at room temperature. The reaction mixture was shaken at room temperature for 36 hours. Water (40 mL) and EtOAc (100 mL) were added to the reaction mixture. The organic layer was separated, washed with brine, concentrated and purified by column (silica gel, CHCl₃/MeOH 10/1) to give the title compound 105 as a white solid (100 mg, 60%): ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD): δ 7.75 (dd, 1H, 0.6 & 8.3 Hz), 7.7-7.71 (m, 1H), 7.49 (s, 1H), 7.41-7.45 (m, 2H), 7.30 (dd, 1H, 1.3 & 8.1 Hz), 7.01-7.07 (m, 6H), 3.82-3.88 (m, 1H), 3.42-3.5 (m, 2H), 2.96-3.02 (m, 1H), 2.76-2.82 (m, 1H); LC/MS: m/z=403.2 [M+H]⁺ (Calc: 402.4).

Example 25 (S)-3-(2,3-Dihydroxypropyl)-1-(4-(4-fluorophenoxy)phenyl)-1H-indole-5-carbonitrile (110)

Compound 110 (white solid) was prepared following the procedure described for preparing compound 105 in Example 24: ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD): δ 8.05-8.06 (m, 1H), 7.35-7.47 (m, 5H), 7.69-7.07 (m, 6H), 3.81-3.87 (m, 1H), 3.44-3.5 (m, 2H), 2.96-3.02 (m, 1H), 2.76-2.82 (m, 1H); LC/MS: m/z=403.1 [M+H]⁺ (Calc: 402.4).

Example 26 (S)-3-(2,3-Dihydroxypropyl)-1-(4-(4-fluorophenoxy)phenyl)-1H-indole-7-carbonitrile (115)

Compound 115 (white solid) was prepared following the procedure described for preparing compound 105 in Example 24: ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD/CDCl₃ 1/1): δ 8.01 (d, 1H, 1.1 & 7.9 Hz), 7.54 (dd, 1H, 1.1 & 7.6 Hz), 7.44 (d, 2H, 8.9 Hz), 7.29 (s, 1H), 7.23 (dd, 1H, 7.6 & 7.8 Hz), 7.05-7.17 (m, 6H), 3.93-3.97 (m, 1H), 3.53-3.62 (m, 2H), 2.05-3.1 (m, 1H), 2.87-2.93 (m, 1H); LC/MS: m/z=403.1 [M+H]⁺ (Calc: 402.4).

Example 27 (S)-3-(2,3-Dihydroxypropyl)-1-(4-(4-fluorophenoxy)phenyl)-1H-indole-4-carbonitrile (120)

Compound 120 (white solid) was prepared following the procedure described for preparing compound 105 in Example 24: ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ: 7.95-7.96 (m, 1H), 7.63-7.66 (m, 1H), 7.54-7.57 (m, 1H), 7.44-7.47 (m, 2H), 7.39 (s, 1H), 7.01-7.07 (m, 6H), 3.86-3.98 (m, 1H), 3.42-3.52 (m, 2H), 2.96-3.02 (m, 1H), 2.76-2.82 (m, 1H); LC/MS: m/z=403.1 [M+H]⁺ (Calc: 402.4).

Example 28 (S)-3-(2,3-Dihydroxypropyl)-1-(4-(4-fluorophenoxy)phenyl)-1H-indole-4-carboxamide (122) (S)-3-(2,3-Dihydroxypropyl)-1-(4-(4-fluorophenoxy)phenyl)-1H-indole-6-carboxamide (123)

General procedure for the preparation of compounds 122 and 123: To a mixture of compound 120 (100 mg, or 105) in EtOH/water (6 mL/2 mL) at room temperature was added the catalyst 121 (10 mg). The resulting mixture was shaken at 84° C. for 16 hours. The solvent was evaporated and the residue was purified by column (TCM/MeOH 10/0.5) to get the desired product as a white solid (˜80%).

Compound 122: ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 7.47-7.51 (m, 1H), 7.35 (d, 2H, 8.9 Hz), 7.27 (s, 1H), 7.23 (dd, 1H, 0.8 & 7.3 Hz), 6.98-7.17 (m, 6H), 3.86-3.98 (m, 1H), 3.42-3.52 (m, 2H), 2.96-3.02 (m, 1H), 2.76-2.82 (m, 1H); LC/MS: m/z=421.2 [M+H]⁺ (Calc: 420.4).

Compound 123: ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ: 7.95-7.96 (m, 1H), 7.63-7.66 (m, 1H), 7.54-7.57 (m, 1H), 7.44-7.47 (m, 2H), 7.39 (s, 1H), 7.01-7.07 (m, 6H), 3.82-3.88 (m, 1H), 3.44-3.56 (m, 2H), 3.0-3.05 (m, 1H), 2.84-2.92 (m, 1H); LC/MS: m/z=421.2 [M+H]⁺ (Calc: 420.4).

Example 29 (S)-3-(2,3-Dihydroxypropyl)-1-(4-(4-fluorophenoxy)phenyl)-1H-indole-4-carboxylic acid (129)

(a) Compound 128 (white solid) was prepared following the procedure described for preparing compound 105 in Example 24: ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 7.6-7.72 (m, 3H), 7.47 (d, 2H, 8.9 Hz), 7.35 (d, 1H, 2.4 Hz), 7.25-7.3 (m, 2H), 7.15-7.21 (m, 4H), 3.93 (s, 3H), 3.86-3.89 (m, 1H), 3.67-3.72 (m, 1H), 3.53-3.58 (m, 1H), 3.13-3.19 (m, 1H), 2.99-3.05 (m, 1H).

(b) NaOH (1N 0.4 mL) was added to a solution of compound 128 (20 mg in 4 mL EtOH), and the reaction mixture was shaken at room temperature for 5 hours. The solvent was evaporated and the residue was dissolved in 1 mL of water and 1 mL of CH₃CN, and purified by HPLC to give the title compound 129 as a white solid (15 mg, 80%): ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD): δ 7.84 (s, 1H, 8.9 Hz), 7.54-7.64 (m, 5H), 7.41 (s, 1H), 7.35-7.38 (m, 1H), 7.27 (d, 2H, 8.9 Hz), 7.14 (dd, 1H, 7.5 & 8.3 Hz), 3.78-3.84 (m, 1H), 3.51-3.55 (m, 1H), 3.38-3.44 (m, 1H), 3.15-3.18 (m, 1H), 2.86-2.92 (m, 1H); LC/MS: m/z=497.0 [M+H]⁺ (Calc: 496.4).

Example 30 5-(4-(4-(1,2-Dihydroxyethyl)-3-((R)-2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-1H-indol-1-yl)phenoxy)-2-(trifluoromethyl)benzonitrile (139)

(a) Compound 132 (white solid) was prepared following the procedure described for preparing compound 96 in Example 23: ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 7.69 (d, 1H, 8.9 Hz), 7.51 (d, 2H, 8.6 Hz), 7.36-7.42 (m, 2H), 7.31 (d, 1H, 3.5 Hz), 7.25-7.28 (m, 2H), 7.14-7.16 (m, 2H), 7.05-7.11 (m, 1H), 6.84 (dd, 1H, 0.8 & 3.5 Hz), 5.87 (dd, 1H, 1.1 & 17.5 Hz), 5.36 (dd, 1H, 1.1 & 10.9 Hz).

(b) AD-Mix-α (1.6 g) was added to a mixture of compound 132 (0.3 g) in water/i-PrOH (4 mL/8 mL), and the mixture was shaken at room temperature for 16 hours. The reaction was quenched with water, extracted with EtOAc, and purified by column (Silica gel, EtOAc, Rf 0.5) to give compound 133 as a white solid (0.2 g): ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 7.69 (d, 1H, 8.9 Hz), 7.51 (d, 2H, 8.6 Hz), 7.41-7.45 (m, 1H), 7.36 (d, 1H, 2.2 Hz), 7.31 (d, 1H, 3.3 Hz), 7.26-7.29 (m, 1H), 7.15-7.12 (m, 4H), 6.78 (dd, 1H, 0.8 & 3.5 Hz), 5.24 (dd, 1H, 4.3 & 7.5 Hz), 3.84-3.88 (m, 2H).

(c) p-Toluenesulfonic acid (30 mg) was added to a solution of compound 133 (0.2 g) and compound 134 (0.4 mL) in 5 mL of DMF at room temperature. The reaction mixture was shaken at room temperature for 4 hours. The reaction mixture was diluted with water (20 mL), and extracted with EtOAc (100 mL). The organic layer was washed with brine, concentrated and purified by column to give compound 135 as a colorless oil (silica gel, EtOAc/Hexanes 3/8 Rf 0.6; LC/MS: m/z=501.2 [M+Na]⁺ (Calc: 478.5).

(d) NBS (0.1 g) was added to a solution of compound 135 (0.25 g) in 8 mL of DCM at 0° C. After 30 min at 0° C., the reaction was diluted with water (4 mL) and DCM (30 mL), and then neutralized with NaHCO₃ to pH 7. The organic layer was washed with brine and concentrated to get crude compound 136 as a white solid (0.28 g, 90%; LC/MS: m/z=580.0 [M+Na]⁺ (Calc: 557.4).

(e) To a solution of the crude compound 136 (0.25 g, 1.0 eq) in 1,4-dioxane (10 ml) was added compound 103 (1.5 eq), CsF (3.0 eq) and PdCl₂(dppf).CH₂Cl₂ (0.2 eq) at room temperature under N₂. The mixture was shaken at 90° C. for 16 hours. The reaction mixture was diluted with H₂O (20 mL), and then extracted with EtOAc (2×40 mL). The organic layer was washed with brine, evaporated and purified by column (silica gel, EtOAc/Hexanes 1/9) to get compound 137 as a yellow oil (0.12 g, 50%, LC/MS: m/z=519.2 [M+H]⁺ (Calc: 518.5).

(f) Ad-mix-β (1.0 g) was added to a solution of compound 137 (0.12 g) in 15 mL of i-PrOH/water (2/1) at room temperature. The reaction mixture was shaken at room temperature for 36 hours. Water (40 mL) and EtOAc (100 mL) were added to the reaction mixture. The organic layer was separated, washed with brine, concentrated and purified by column (silica gel, CHCl₃/MeOH 10/1) to give compound 138 as a white solid (70 mg, 70%; LC/MS: m/z=575.2 [M+Na]⁺ (Calc: 552.5)).

(g) 0.5N HCl (3 mL aqueous) was added to a solution of compound 138 (50 mg) in 4 mL THF at room temperature. The reaction mixture was shaken at room temperature for 24 hours, the solvent was removed and the mixture was purified by HPLC to get the title compound 139 as a diastereomeric mixture (white solid, 40 mg): ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD): δ 7.8 (d, 1H, 8.9 Hz), 7.5-7.54 (m, 3H), 7.32-7.37 (m, 2H), 7.29 (s, 1H), 7.21-7.25 (m, 3H), 7.08-7.12 (m, 1H), 5.4-5.5 (m, 1H), 3.89-3.93 (m, 1H), 3.7-3.74 (m, 1H), 3.45-3.61 (3H), 3.1-3.14 (m, 1H), 2.85-2.91 (m, 1H); LC/MS: m/z=535.2 [M+Na]⁺ (Calc: 512.5).

Example 31 5-(4-(4-(1,2-Dihydroxyethyl)-3-((S)-2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-1H-indol-1-yl)phenoxy)-2-(trifluoromethyl)benzonitrile (141)

Compound 141 (white solid) was prepared following the procedure described for preparing compound 139 using Ad-mix-α instead of Ad-mix-β: ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD): δ 7.82 (d, 1H, 8.8 Hz), 7.53-7.57 (m, 3H), 7.34-7.39 (m, 2H), 7.31 (s, 1H), 7.23-7.27 (m, 3H), 7.1-7.14 (m, 1H), 5.44-5.51 (m, 1H), 3.89-3.95 (m, 1H), 3.72-3.76 (m, 1H), 3.47-3.63 (m, 3H), 3.12-3.18 (m, 1H), 2.86-2.97 (m, 1H); LC/MS: m/z=535.2 [M+Na]⁺ (Calc: 512.5).

Example 32 (N)-(2-Hydroxyethyl)-1-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide (144) 1-(4-Phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide (145) N-Hydroxy-1-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide (146)

(a) A mixture of compound 142 (Accela ChemBio, 0.5 g, 1.0 eq), compound 30a (Aldrich, 1.1 eq), CuI (0.5 eq), K₂CO₃ (3 eq), and N,N-dimethylglycine (Aldrich, 0.1 eq) in DMF (10 mL) was heated at 165° C. for 2 hours under microwave. The mixture was poured into water/EtOAc (40 mL/200 mL). The organic layer was washed with brine, concentrated and purified by column (silica gel, CHCl₃/hexane 1/10) to afford compound 143 as a brown solid (0.8 g): LC/MS: m/z=359.2 [M+H]⁺ (Calc: 358.4).

(b) A mixture of compound 143 (0.15 g) and NH₃ (˜7N in MeOH 5 mL) was heated under microwave at 100° C. for 2 hours. The reaction mixture was evaporated and purified by column (silica gel, CHCl₃/MeOH 10/0.5) to afford the title compound 145 as a white solid (50 mg, 38%): ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ: 8.39 (ddd, 1H, 0.8, 1.0 & 8.1 Hz), 7.58-7.61 (m, 3H), 7.39-7.44 (m, 1H), 7.28-7.35 (m, 3H), 7.1-7.15 (m, 3H), 7.02-7.05 (m, 2H), 6.94 (br, 1H), 5.51 (br, br, 1H); LC/MS: m/z=330.1 [M+H]⁺ (Calc: 329.4).

(c) The title compound 146 (brown solid, 30%) was prepared following the procedure described for preparing compound 145 above using hydroxylamine (50% solution in water, Aldrich): ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ: 8.32 (d, 1H, 8.1 Hz), 7.72-7.77 (m, 3H), 7.5-7.54 (m, 1H), 7.34-7.44 (m, 3H), 7.16-7.22 (m, 3H), 7.08-7.12 (m, 2H); LC/MS: m/z=346.1 [M+H]⁺ (Calc: 345.4).

(d) The title compound 144 (white solid, 65%) was prepared following the procedure described for preparing compound 145 using ethanolamine (Aldrich): ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ: 8.33 (d, 1H, 8.1 Hz), 7.74-7.78 (m, 3H), 7.49-7.54 (m, 1H), 7.34-7.45 (m, 3H), 7.16-7.22 (m, 3H), 7.08-7.12 (m, 2H), 3.78 (t, 2H, 5.7 Hz), 3.61 (t, 2H, 5.8 Hz); LC/MS: m/z=374.2 [M+H]⁺ (Calc: 373.4).

Example 33 5-Fluoro-1-(4-(4-trifluoromethyl)phenoxy)phenyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide (150)

(a) H₂SO₄ (1.5 mL) was added to a solution of compound 147 (5 g, Accela ChemBio) in EtOH (150 mL) at room temperature. The reaction mixture was heated at 80° C. under nitrogen for 24 hours. The mixture was concentrated to 40 mL, and diluted with EtOAc/water (200 mL/50 mL). The organic layer was washed with brine, and concentrated to give compound 148 as a white solid (5 g, 86%): ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ: 7.78 (dd, 1H, 4.3 & 9.2 Hz), 7.73 (dd, 1H, 1.9 & 8.7 Hz), 7.15-7.21 (m, 1H), 4.5 (q, 2H, 7.2 Hz), 1.43 (t, 3H, 7.1 Hz).

(b) The title compound 150 was prepared following the procedure described for preparing compound 145 in Example 32: ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ: 8.96 (dd, 1H, 2.4 & 8.7 Hz), 7.81-7.88 (m, 3H), 7.72 (d, 2H, 8.9 Hz), 7.31-7.38 (m, 3H), 7.24 (d, 2H, 8.9 Hz); LC/MS: m/z=416.0 [M+H]⁺ (Calc: 415.3).

Example 34 1-(4-(3-Cyano-(4-trifluoromethyl)phenoxy)phenyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide (152)

The title compound 152 (white solid) was prepared following the procedure described for preparing compound 145 in Example 32: ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ: 8.38 (d, 1H, 4.3 Hz), 7.81-7.91 (m, 3H), 7.78 (d, 2H, 8.9 Hz), 7.5-7.54 (m, 2H), 7.32-7.42 (m, 4H); LC/MS: m/z 423.1 [M+H]⁺ (Calc: 422.4).

Example 35 1-(4-((5-(Trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)oxy)phenyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide (155)

(a) Compound 81 was prepared following the procedure described for preparing compound 30b: ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.45 (s, 1H), 7.94 (ddd, 1H, 0.6, 2.6 & 8.6 Hz), 7.56 (d, 2H, 8.9 Hz), 7.05-7.08 (m, 3H).

(b) The title compound 155 (white solid) was prepared following the procedure described for preparing compound 145 in Example 32: ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.37-8.38 (m, 1H), 8.31 (ddd, 1H, 0.8, 1.0 & 8.3 Hz), 7.92-7.95 (m, 1H), 7.74 (d, 2H, 8.9 Hz), 7.69 (d, 1H, 8.6 Hz), 7.41-7.45 (m, 1H), 7.29-7.33 (m, 3H); LC/MS: m/z=399.1 [M+H]⁺ (Calc: 398.3).

Example 36 1-(4-(4-Cyanophenoxy)phenyl)-N-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide (159)

(a) Compound 56 was prepared following the procedure used for preparing compound 30b: ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.64 (d, 2H, 8.9 Hz), 7.54 (d, 2H, 8.8 Hz), 7.03 (d, 2H, 8.9 Hz), 7.67 (d, 2H, 8.9 Hz).

(b) The title compound 159 (white solid) was prepared following the procedure used for preparing compound 145 in Example 32: ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 8.38 (d, 1H, 8.3 Hz), 7.69 (d, 2H, 8.9 Hz), 7.58-7.63 (m, 3H), 7.42-7.48 (m, 2H), 7.29-7.34 (m, 1H), 7.19-7.21 (m, 2H), 7.04 (d, 2H, 8.9 Hz), 3.84-3.88 (m, 1H), 3.56-3.68 (m, 4H), 2.02 (br, 2H, —OH); LC/MS: m/z=429.1 [M+H]⁺ (Calc: 428.4).

Example 37 (1-(4-(4-(Trifluoromethyl)phenoxy)phenyl)-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridin-3-yl)methanol (164)

(a) A mixture of compound 160 (Accela ChemBio, 0.2 g, 1.0 eq), compound 78 (1.1 eq), CuI (0.2 eq), K₂CO₃ (3 eq), and N,N-dimethylglycine (Aldrich, 0.1 eq) in DMF (10 mL) was heated at 165° C. for 2 hours under microwave. The mixture was poured into water/EtOAc (40 mL/200 mL). The organic layer was washed with brine, concentrated and purified by column (silica gel, CHCl₃/hexane 1/1) to afford compound 161 as a brown solid (LC/MS: m/z=355.4 [M+H]⁺ (Calc: 354.3), which was dissolved in trifluoroacetic acid (10 mL), and then added 0.5 g of compound 162 at room temperature. The resulting mixture was shaken at 70° C. for 24 hours. The solvent was evaporated and the residues was diluted with water (40 mL)/DCM (100 mL), and neutralized to pH ˜10 with 1N NaOH aqueous at 0° C. The organic layer was separated and purified by column (silica gel, CHCl₃/MeOH 10/0.2) to afford compound 163 as a white solid (0.15 g, 30% in two steps): ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 10.1 (s, 1H), 8.82 (d, 1H, 1.1 Hz), 8.46 (d, 1H, 5.5 Hz), 8.19 (dd, 1H, 0.9 & 5.3 Hz), 7.98 (s, 1H), 7.59-7.62 (m, 2H), 7.47-7.51 (m, 2H), 7.19-7.22 (m, 2H), 7.1-7.13 (m, 2H).

(b) NaBH₄ (0.25 g) was added to a solution of compound 163 (0.12 g) in 10 mL of EtOH at room temperature. The mixture was shaken at room temperature for 3 hours, quenched with water, extracted with EtOAc (30 mL), concentrated and purified by column (CHCl₃/MeOH 10/0.5) to give the title compound 164 as a white solid: ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD): δ 8.8 (s, 1H), 8.23 (d, 1H, 5.5 Hz), 7.64-7.82 (m, 6H), 7.32 (d, 2H, 8.9 Hz), 7.24 (d, 2H, 8.3 Hz), 4.89 (s, 2H); LC/MS: m/z=385.1 [M+H]⁺ (Calc: 384.4).

Example 38 (R)-1-(1-(4-(4-(Trifluoromethyl)phenoxy)phenyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-c]pyridin-3-yl)ethane-1,2-diol (166)

n-Buli (2.5N 0.8 mL in hexanes) was added to a solution of compound 94 in 15 mL of THF at −30° C. The resulting yellow suspension was stirred and allowed to warm to 0° C. over 1 hour. After cooling to −30° C., compound 163 (0.5 g, in 10 mL THF) was added, the resulting mixture was warmed to room temperature over 40 min, and kept at room temperature over night. The reaction mixture was quenched with water, extracted with CHCl₃, and purified by column to get compound 165 as a brown oil (LC/MS: m/z=381.3 [M+H]⁺ (Calc: 380.3), which was dissolved in t-BuOH/water (1/1, 40 mL) and treated with AD-mix-β (2 g) at 0° C. The reaction mixture was warmed to room temperature over night and heated to 35° C. for 24 hours. Water (50 mL) and EtOAc (200 mL) were added to the reaction mixture. The organic layer was separated, washed with brine, concentrated and purified by column (silica gel, EtOAc/MeOH 10/1) to give the title compound 166 as a white solid (0.15 g, 25% in two steps): ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD): δ 8.68 (s, 1H), 8.09 (d, 1H, 5.5 Hz), 7.73 (d, 1H, 5.3 Hz), 7.55-7.65 (m, 4H), 7.22 (d, 2H, 8.9 Hz), 7.14 (d, 2H, 8.3 Hz), 5.0 (t, 6.0 Hz), 3.79 (d, 2H, 5.8 Hz); LC/MS: m/z=415.1 [M+H]⁺ (Calc: 414.4).

Example 39 (S)-3-(1-(4-(4-Fluorophenoxy)phenyl)-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridin-3-yl) propane-1,2-diol (170)

Compound 170 (white solid) was prepared following the procedure described for preparing compound 105 in Example 24: ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD): δ 8.68 (d, 1H, 1.1 Hz), 8.08 (d, 1H, 5.7 Hz), 7.64-7.67 (m, 3H), 7.55-7.58 (m, 3H), 7.21-7.24 (m, 2H), 7.07-7.19 (m, 2H), 3.83-3.88 (m, 1H), 3.43-3.51 (m, 2H), 2.97-3.04 (m, 1H), 2.76-2.83 (m, 1H); LC/MS: m/z=386.2 [M+H]⁺ (Calc: 385.4).

Example 40 (S)-4-(4-(3-(2,3-Dihydroxypropyl)-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-b]pyridin-1-yl)phenoxy)benzonitrile (175)

Compound 175 (white solid) was prepared following the procedure described for preparing compound 105 in Example 24: ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD): δ 8.5-8.54 (m, 2H), 8.13 (s, 1H), 7.61-7.7 (m, 5H), 7.27-7.31 (m, 2H), 7.1-7.14 (m, 2H), 3.83-3.91 (m, 1H), 3.45-3.54 (m, 2H), 2.99-3.14 (m, 1H), 2.56-3.01 (m, 1H); LC/MS: m/z=386.2 [M+H]⁺ (Calc: 385.4).

Example 41 N,N-Diethyl-2-(5-(4-(4-fluorophenoxy)phenyl)-1H-indol-1-yl)ethanamine (177) 2-(1-(2-Diethylamino)ethyl-5-(4-(4-fluorophenoxy)phenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl)-2-oxoacetamide (178) 2-(1-(2-(Diethylamino)ethyl)-5-(4-(4-fluorophenoxy)phenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl)-2-hydroxyacetamide (179)

(a) NaH (0.1 g, 60% dispersion in mineral oil) was added to a mixture of compound 71 (0.3 g, 1 mmol) and compound 176 (1.0 mmol) in 4 mL of DMF at 0° C. The reaction mixture was warmed to room temperature over 2 h, and quenched with water (10 mL), and extracted with EtOAc (100 mL). The organic layer was washed with brine, concentrated under vacuum and purified by column (CHCl₃/hexanes 9/1) to afford compound 177 as a yellow oil (0.3 g): ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 7.81-7.83 (m, 1H), 7.62 (d, 2H, 8.9 Hz), 7.44-7.5 (m, 2H), 7.21 (d, 1H, 3.1 Hz), 7.04-7.11 (m, 6H), 6.55 (d, 1H, 3.1 Hz), 4.28-4.33 (m, 2H), 2.85 (t, 1H, 7.0 Hz), 2.63 (q, 4H, 7.3 Hz), 1.04 (t, 6H, 7.2 Hz); LC/MS: m/z=403.3 [M+H]⁺ (Calc: 402.5).

(b) Compound 58 (2N in DCM, 3 mL) was added to a solution of compound 177 (0.5 g) in 10 mL of Et₂O and 20 mL of DCM at 0° C. The reaction mixture was shaken at 0° C. for 1.5 hours and, then, concentrated under vacuum. The residue was dissolved in THF (20 mL) and then NH₃ (˜7N in MeOH) was added at 0° C. The reaction mixture was shaken at room temperature for 36 hours. The solvents were evaporated under vacuum, and the residue was purified by column (CHCl₃/MeOH 10/1) to give compound 178 as a white solid (0.25 g): ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD): δ 8.81 (s, 1H), 8.49-8.51 (m, 1H), 7.55 (d, 2H, 8.9 Hz), 7.44-7.5 (m, 2H), 6.94-6.99 (m, 6H), 4.23 (t, 2H, 7.2 Hz), 2.83 (t, 1H, 7.2 Hz), 2.54 (q, 4H, 7.3 Hz), 0.94 (t, 6H, 7.2 Hz); LC/MS: m/z=474.1 [M+H]⁺ (Calc: 473.5).

(c) NaBH₄ (40 mg) was added to a solution of compound 178 (100 mg) in EtOH/THF (2 mL/2 mL) at room temperature, and the mixture was shaken at room temperature for 2 hours. The reaction was quenched with water, extracted with EtOAc (30 mL), concentrated, and purified by column (CHCl₃/MeOH 7/1) to give compound 179 as a white solid (70 mg, 70%): ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD): δ 8.01 (s, 1H), 7.66 (d, 2H, 8.9 Hz), 7.46-7.48 (m, 1H), 7.36-7.37 (m, 1H), 7.03-7.14 (m, 6H), 5.36 (s, 1H), 4.3 (t, 2H, 7.2 Hz), 2.89 (t, 1H, 7.2 Hz), 2.66 (q, 4H, 7.3 Hz), 1.08 (t, 6H, 7.2 Hz); LC/MS: m/z=476.2 [M+H]⁺ (Calc: 475.5).

Example 42 (S)-3-(1-(2-Diethylamino)ethyl)-5-(4-(4-fluorophenoxy)phenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl)propane-1,2-diol (182)

(a) Compound 71 (1.6 g, 5 mmol in 10 mL of THF) was added to a solution of ethylmagnesium bromide (1.0 M in THF, 8 mL, Aldrich) at room temperature under argon. The resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 hours. The reaction mixture was cooled to −20° C., and a solution of compound 72 (0.6 g, in 20 mL of THF) was added to the cooled reaction mixture over 5 minutes. The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature over night. The reaction was quenched with water (40 mL), and extracted with EtOAc (2×200 mL). The combined organic layer was washed with brine, concentrated and purified by column to get compound 180 as a white solid (0.8 g): ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 8.01 (br, 1H, NH), 7.8 (s, 1H), 7.64 (d, 2H, 8.9 Hz), 7.43-7.45 (m, 2H), 7.06-7.13 (m, 7H), 6.09-6.18 (m, 1H), 5.2-5.26 (m, 1H), 5.11-5.15 (m, 1H), 3.59-3.62 (m, 2H).

(b) Compound 181 was prepared according to the same procedure used for preparing compound 177 in Example 41: ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 7.68 (s, 1H), 7.52 (d, 2H, 8.9 Hz), 7.28-7.35 (m, 2H), 6.94-7.01 (m, 6H), 6.88 (s, 1H), 5.95-6.04 (m, 1H), 5.08-5.11 (m, 1H), 4.98-5.02 (m, 1H), 4.11-4.15 (m, 2H), 3.44-3.48 (m, 2H), 2.74-2.81 (m, 2H), 2.55 (q, 4H, 7.2 Hz), 0.98 (t, 6H, 7.3 Hz).

(c) Compound 182 was prepared following the same procedure used for preparing compound 76 in Example 20: ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD): δ 7.76 (s, 1H), 7.55 (d, 2H, 8.9 Hz), 7.38-7.45 (m, 2H), 7.13 (s, 1H), 6.94-7.05 (m, 6H), 4.56 (t, 2H, 6.5 Hz), 3.84-3.91 (m, 1H), 3.42-3.58 (m, 4H), 3.11-3.18 (m, 4H), 2.94-2.98 (m, 1H), 2.72-2.78 (m, 1H), 1.18 (t, 6H, 7.3 Hz); LC/MS: m/z=477.3 [M+H]⁺ (Calc: 476.6).

Example 43 (S)-2-(3-(2,3-Dihydroxypropyl)-5-(4-(4-fluorophenoxy)phenyl-1H-indol-1-yl)acetamide (186)

(a) Compound 184 was prepared following the procedure used for preparing compound 177 in Example 41: LC/MS: m/z=430.4 [M+H]⁺ (Calc: 429.5).

(b) Compound 185 was prepared following the procedure used for preparing compound 76 in Example 20: LC/MS: m/z=464.2 [M+H]⁺ (Calc: 463.5).

(c) A solution of compound 185 (0.1 g) in 3 mL of NH₃ (˜7N in MeOH) was shaken at room temperature for 18 hours. The solvent was evaporated under vacuum, and the residue was purified by column (silica gel, EtOAc/MeOH 10/1) to give compound 186 as a white solid (60 mg): ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 7.72 (s, 1H), 7.61 (d, 2H, 8.9 Hz), 7.28-7.45 (m, 3H), 7.16-7.21 (m, 3H), 6.97-7.05 (m, 5H), 4.68 (s, 2H), 4.44-4.52 (m, 2H), 3.64-3.69 (m, 1H), 2.82-2.86 (m, 1H), 2.57-2.61 (m, 1H); LC/MS: m/z=435.1 [M+H]⁺ (Calc: 434.5).

Example 44 2-(1-(4-(4-Cyano-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy)phenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl)-3,3,3-trifluoro-2-hydroxypropanamide (192) 2-(1-(4-(4-Cyano-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy)phenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl)2-hydroxyacetamide (193)

(a) Compound 189 was prepared according the same procedure used for preparing compound 49 in Example 16 and was obtained as a white solid: ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 7.83 (d, 1H, 8.6 Hz), 7.74 (d, 1H, 8.9 Hz), 7.58-7.64 (m, 3H), 7.46 (d, 1H, 2.6 Hz), 7.37 (d, 1H, 3.2 Hz), 7.21-7.31 (m, 5H), 6.75 (dd, 1H, 0.6 & 3.3 Hz).

(b) A mixture of compound 189 (0.15 g, 1.0 eq) and compound 190 (2.0 eq) was shaken at room temperature for 2 hours. The reaction mixture was purified by column (EtOAc/Hexanes 10/3) to give compound 191 as a colorless oil (0.12 g, 57%): LC/MS: m/z=557.0 [M+Na]⁺ (Calc: 534.4).

(c) A solution of compound 191 (0.1 g) in 2 mL of NH₃ (˜7 N in MeOH) was shaken at room temperature for 3 days. The solvent was removed under vacuum, and the residue was purified by column (silica gel, CHCl₃/MeOH 10/1) to give compound 192 as a white solid (90 mg): ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD): δ 7.89 (d, 1H, 8.9 Hz), 7.83 (d, 1H, 7.9 Hz), 7.5-7.6 (m, 3H), 7.46 (d, 1H, 2.6 Hz), 7.4-7.43 (m, 1H), 7.26-7.31 (m, 3H), 7.12-7.17 (m, 1H), 7.04-7.08 (m, 1H); LC/MS: m/z=542.1 [M+Na]⁺ (Calc: 519.4).

(d) Compound 193 was prepared according the same procedure used for preparing compound 179 and was obtained as a white solid: ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD): δ 7.89 (d, 1H, 8.7 Hz), 7.76 (d, 1H, 7.9 Hz), 7.57 (d, 2H, 8.9 Hz), 7.42-7.45 (m, 3H), 7.24-7.28 (m, 3H), 7.12-7.17 (m, 1H), 7.04-7.08 (m, 1H), 5.29 (s, 1H); LC/MS: m/z=474.1 [M+Na]⁺ (Calc: 451.4).

Example 45 2-Hydroxy-2-(1-(4-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)oxy)phenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl)acetamide (195)

(a) Compound 194 was prepared according the same procedure used for preparing compound 49 in Example 16 and was obtained as a colorless oil: LC/MS: m/z=355.2 [M+H]⁺ (Calc: 354.3).

(b) Compound 195 was prepared according the same procedure used for preparing compound 179 in Example 41 and was obtained as a white solid: ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD): δ 8.49 (s, 1H), 8.15 (dd, 1H, 2.4 & 8.5 Hz), 7.87 (d, 1H, 7.9 Hz), 7.63 (d, 2H, 8.9 Hz), 7.53-7.56 (m, 2H), 7.38 (d, 2H, 8.9 Hz), 7.14-7.26 (m, 3H), 5.4 (s, 1H); LC/MS: m/z=450.1 [M+Na]⁺ (Calc: 427.4).

Example 46 (S)-2-Amino-3-(1-(4-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)oxy)phenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl)propan-1-ol (196)

Compound 196 was prepared following the same procedure used for preparing compound 47 in Example 11, and purified by HPLC to give the TFA-salt as a white solid: ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 8.55 (s, 1H), 8.23 (dd, 1H, 2.1 & 8.5 Hz), 7.88 (br, 3H, NH₃ ⁺), 7.66 (d, 1H, 7.4 Hz), 7.6 (d, 2H, 8.9 Hz), 7.55 (s, 1H), 7.53 (d, 1H, 8.1 Hz), 7.38 (d, 2H, 8.9 Hz), 7.28 (d, 1H, 8.8 Hz), 7.19 (dt, 1H, 1.1 & 8.1 Hz), 7.1-7.14 (m, 1H), 5.3 (br, 1H, —OH), 3.56-3.61 (m, 1H), 3.44-3.48 (m, 1H), 3.34-3.38 (m, 1H), 2.98 (d, 2H, 6.8 Hz); LC/MS: m/z=428.1 [M+H]⁺ (Calc: 427.4).

Example 47 (S)-3-(5-(4-(4-fluorophenoxy)phenyl)-1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1H-indol-3-yl)propane-1,2-diol (200)

(a) NaH (0.1 g, 60% dispersion in mineral oil) was added to a mixture of compound 180 (0.3 g, 1 mmol) and compound 197 (1.3 mmol) in 4 mL of DMF at 0° C. The reaction mixture was warmed to room temperature over 2 hours and then quenched with water (10 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (100 mL). The organic layer was washed with brine and concentrated to afford crude product 198 [LC/MS: m/z=502.2 [M+H]⁺ (Calc: 501.7)], which was suspended in 40 mL of i-PrOH/water (25 mL/15 mL) at room temperature. Methanesulfonamide (1 mmol) and Ad-mix-α (3.0 g) were added to the above solution. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 16 hours and then diluted with EtOAc (200 mL) and washed with water (40 mL). The organic layer was washed with brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, concentrated and purified by silica gel chromatography (EtOAc/hexanes 1/1) to give compound 199 as a brown oil (0.2 g): ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 7.84 (d, 1H, 1.5 Hz), 7.69 (d, 1H, 8.9 Hz), 7.53 (dd, 1H, 1.7 & 8.6 Hz), 7.48 (d, 1H, 8.6 Hz), 7.12-7.17 (m, 7H), 4.32 (t, 2H, 6.7 Hz), 4.14-4.19 (m, 1H), 4.02 (t, 2H, 5.6 Hz), 3.85-3.89 (m, 1H), 3.68-3.72 (m, 1H), 2.99-3.12 (m, 2H), 2.0 (br, 2H, —OH), 0.93 (s, 9H), 0.01 (s, 6H).

(b) A mixture of compound 199 (100 mg) in 10 mL of MeOH and 1 mL of HCl (5N aqueous) was shaken at room temperature for 3 hours. The reaction mixture was diluted with EtOAc (100 mL), and neutralized with 1N NaOH (aqueous) to pH ˜10. The organic layer was washed with brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, concentrated and purified by silica gel chromatography (EtOAc/MeOH 10/1) to give compound 200 as a white solid (50 mg): ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 7.78 (d, 1H, 1.5 Hz), 7.67 (d, 1H, 8.9 Hz), 7.53 (dd, 1H, 1.7 & 8.6 Hz), 7.48 (d, 1H, 8.6 Hz), 7.38 (dd, 1H, 1.7 & 8.6 Hz), 7.23-7.27 (m, 3H), 7.19 (s, 1H), 7.06-7.14 (m, 4H), 4.88 (t, 2H, 5.3 Hz), 4.56 (d, 1H, 5.0 Hz), 4.53 (t, 1H, 5.7 Hz), 4.17 (t, 2H, 5.4 Hz), 3.69-3.74 (m, 3H), 3.34 (br, 1H), 2.85-2.93 (m, 1H), 2.65-2.71 (m, 1H); LC/MS: m/z=422.1 [M+H]⁺ (Calc: 421.5).

Example 48 (S)-2-(1-(4-(3-Cyano-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy)phenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl)-2-hydroxyacetamide (60-S) (R)-2-(1-(4-(3-Cyano-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy)phenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl)-2-hydroxyacetamide (60-R)

The two chiral isomers of compound 60 (prepared in Example 16) were separated by Regis Technologies Inc. (through chiral-HPLC; column name: (S,S) Whelk-O, Mobile phase: Methanol). The two isomers were assigned based upon rotation, and similar compounds in the literature (Scott E. Denmark and Yu Fan, J Org. Chem. 70(24): 9667-9677 (2005)):

(S)-2-(1-(4-(3-Cyano-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy)phenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl)-2-hydroxyacetamide (60-S): first collection, white solid. ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD): δ 7.91 (d, 1H, 8.8 Hz), 7.84 (dd, 1H, 0.87, 7.8 Hz), 7.66-7.69 (m, 3H), 7.53-7.56 (m, 2H), 7.45-7.48 (m, 1H), 7.35-7.38 (m, 2H), 7.15-7.25 (m, 2H), 5.38 (br, 1H); LC/MS: m/z=474.3 [M+Na]⁺ (Calc: 451.4).

(R)-2-(1-(4-(3-Cyano-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy)phenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl)-2-hydroxyacetamide (60-R): second collection, white solid. 1H-NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD): δ 7.9 (d, 1H, 8.9 Hz), 7.84 (d, 1H, 0.87, 7.9 Hz), 7.64-7.68 (m, 3H), 7.52-7.55 (m, 2H), 7.45-7.48 (m, 1H), 7.35-7.38 (m, 2H), 7.15-7.25 (m, 2H), 5.38 (br, 1H); LC/MS: m/z=474.3 [M+Na]⁺ (Calc: 451.4).

Example 49

Compounds of the invention have been tested in the FLIPR^(TETRA®) or FLIPR® sodium dye assay with KCl assay and electrophysiology (EP) assay for sodium channel blocking activity, which are described in detail above. Representative values are presented in TABLE 2.

TABLE 2 Evaluation of the tested compounds as sodium channel (Na_(v)) blockers FLIPR EP Na_(v)1.7 Na_(v)1.7 COMPOUND IC₅₀ (μM) ± SEM Ki (μM) 2-amino-3-[7-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-3- 0.151 ± 0.016 0.83 yl]propan-1-ol (22) 2-amino-3-[2-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-3- 0.240 ± 0.023 yl]propionamide (28) 2-amino-3-[1-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-3- 0.278 ± 0.061 0.04 yl]propionamide (35) 2-amino-3-[5-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-3- 0.296 ± 0.087 0.36 yl]propan-1-ol (10) 2-amino-N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-3-[1-(4- 0.364 ± 0.112 phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl]-propionamide (37) 2-amino-3-[1-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-3- 0.389 ± 0.081 0.26 yl]propan-1-ol (34) 2-amino-3-[5-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-3- 0.399 ± 0.024 0.67 yl]propionamide (8) 2-amino-3-[5-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-3- 0.481 ± 0.042 yl]propionic acid ethyl ester (7) 2-methanesulfonylamino-3-[1-(4- 1.012 ± 0.162 phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl]-propionamide (39) 2-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-3-[6-(4- 1.931 ± 0.228 phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl]propionic acid (17) 2-amino-3-[6-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-3- 2.054 ± 0.094 yl]propionamide (15) 2-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-3-[6-(4- phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl]propionic acid 2.524 ± 0.663 ethyl ester (16) 2-nitro-3-[5-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-3- 5.142 ± 0.954 yl]propionic acid ethyl ester (6) 2-amino-3-[5-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-3- >20 yl]propionic acid (9) (S)-5-{4-[3-(2-amino-3-hydroxypropyl)-1H-indol- 0.213 ± 0.052 0.16 1-yl]phenoxy}-2-(trifluoromethyl)benzonitrile (47) (R)-5-{4-[3-(2-amino-3-hydroxypropyl)-1H-indol- 0.304 ± 0.046 0.29 1-yl]phenoxy}-2-(trifluoromethyl)benzonitrile (44) (S)-5-{4-[3-((2-oxooxazolidin-4-yl)methyl)-1H- 0.715 ± 0.126 indol-1-yl]phenoxy}-2-(trifluoromethyl)benzonitrile (46) (S)-4-{[3-(2-dimethylaminoethyl)-1-(4- 1.902 ± 0.636 1.31 phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-5-yl]methyl}oxazolidin- 2-one (45) (S)-2-amino-3-[3-(2-dimethylaminoethyl)-1-(4- 3.816 ± 1.019 1.31 phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-5-yl]propan-1-ol (48) 2-(1-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-3- 0.684 ± 0.041 yl)ethanamine (43) 5-{4-[3-(1,2-dihydroxyethyl)-1H-indol-1- 0.260 ± 0.009 yl]phenoxy}-2-(trifluoromethyl)benzonitrile (51) (S)-5-{4-[3-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-1H-indol-1- 0.210 ± 0.035 0.07 yl]phenoxy}-2-(trifluoromethyl)benzonitrile (54) 5-{4-[3-(2-ethoxyoxalyl)-1H-indol-1-yl]phenoxy}- 0.740 ± 0.148 2-(trifluoromethyl)-benzonitrile (50) (S)-5-{4-[3-(2-amino-3-hydroxypropyl)-1H-indol- 0.383 ± 0.081 0.05 1-yl]phenoxy}benzonitrile (57) 2-(1-(4-(3-cyano-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy)- 3.539 ± 0.459 phenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl)-2-oxoacetamide (59) 2-(1-(4-(3-cyano-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy)- 0.224 ± 0.038 0.40 phenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl)-2-hydroxyacetamide (60) Methyl 3-(2-amino-1-hydroxy-2-oxoethyl)-1-(4-(3- 0.536 ± 0.129 1.91 cyano-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy)phenyl)-1H- indole-6-carboxylate (65) (S)-2-(1-(4-(3-cyano-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy)- 0.572 ± 0.137 phenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl)-N-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-2- oxoacetamide (68) 2-(1-(4-(3-cyano-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy)- 0.732 ± 0.113 2.67 phenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl)-N-((S)-2,3- dihydroxypropyl)-2-hydroxyacetamide (69) (2S,2′S)-3,3′-(5-(4-(4-fluorophenoxy)phenyl)-1H- 0.500 ± 0.091 0.92 indole-1,3-diyl)bis(propane-1,2-diol) (74) (S)-4-(4-(3-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-1H-indol-1- 0.501 ± 0.089 yl)phenoxy)benzonitrile (76) (R)-4-(4-(3-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-1H-indol-1- 0.480 ± 0.087 yl)phenoxy)benzonitrile (77) (S)-3-(1-(4-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2- 0.257 ± 0.067 yl)oxy)phenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl)propane-1,2-diol (83) (S)-3-(1-(4-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy)phenyl)- 0.524 ± 0.085 1H-indol-3-yl)propane-1,2-diol (80) (S)-4-(3-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-1H-indol-1-yl)-N- 0.865 ± 0.058 (4-fluorophenyl)-N-methylbenzenesulfonamide (90) (S)-4-(3-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-1H-indol-1-yl)-N- 1.886 ± 0.164 (4-fluorophenyl)benzenesulfonamide (92) (R)-2-(1-(4-(3-cyano-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy)- >20 phenyl)-5-(1,2-dihydroxyethyl)-1H-indol-3-yl)-2- oxoacetic acid (98) (S)-3-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-1-(4-(4- 1.654 ± 0.438 fluorophenoxy)phenyl)-1H-indole-6-carbonitrile (105) (S)-3-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-1-(4-(4- 2.452 ± 0.542 fluorophenoxy)phenyl)-1H-indole-5-carbonitrile (110) (S)-3-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-1-(4-(4- 0.474 ± 0.133 fluorophenoxy)phenyl)-1H-indole-7-carbonitrile (115) (S)-3-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-1-(4-(4- 0.262 ± 0.066 fluorophenoxy)phenyl)-1H-indole-4-carbonitrile (120) (S)-3-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-1-(4-(4- 0.222 ± 0.036 0.30 fluorophenoxy)phenyl)-1H-indole-4-carboxamide (122) (S)-3-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-1-(4-(4- 4.923 ± 0.822 fluorophenoxy)phenyl)-1H-indole-6-carboxamide (123) (S)-3-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-1-(4-(4- 3.335 ± 0.495 fluorophenoxy)phenyl)-1H-indole-4-carboxylic acid (129) 5-4-(4-(1,2-dihydroxyethyl)-3-((R)-2,3- >20 dihydroxypropyl)-1H-indol-1-yl)phenoxy)-2- (trifluoromethyl)benzonitrile (139) 5-4-(4-(1,2-dihydroxyethyl)-3-((S)-2,3- 1.973 ± 0.494 dihydroxypropyl)-1H-indol-1-yl)phenoxy)-2- (trifluoromethyl)benzonitrile (141) N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H- 0.160 ± 0.049 indazole-3-carboxamide (144) 1-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide 0.326 ± 0.043 (145) N-hydroxy-1-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-indazole-3- 8.068 ± 0.484 carboxamide (146) 5-fluoro-1-(4-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy)phenyl)- 6.967 ± 0.934 1H-indazole-3-carboxamide (150) 1-(4-(3-cyano-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy)- 0.602 ± 0.053 phenyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide (152) 1-(4-((5-(trifluoromethyppyridin-2-yl)oxy)phenyl)- 0.362 ± 0.060 0.25 1H-indazole-3-carboxamide (155) 1-(4-(4-cyanophenoxy)phenyl)-N-(2,3- 0.431 ± 0.059 0.93 dihydroxypropyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide (159) 1-(4-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy)phenyl)-1H- 0.345 ± 0.027 pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridin-3-yl)methanol (164) (R)-1-(1-(4-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy)phenyl)- 0.486 ± 0.024 0.64 1H-pyrazolo[3,4-c]pyridine-3-yl)ethane-1,2-diol (166) (S)-3-(1-(4-(4-fluorophenoxy)phenyl)-1H- 1.378 ± 0.542 pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridin-3-yl)propane-1,2-diol (170) (S)-4-(4-(3-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-1H-pyrrolo[3,2- 0.549 ± 0.197 0.17 b]pyridin-1-yl)phenoxy)benzonitrile (175) N,N-diethyl-2-(5-(4-(4-fluorophenoxy)phenyl)-1H- 0.895 ± 0.154 indol-1-yl)ethanamine (177) 2-(1-(2-(diethylamino)ethyl)-5-(4-(4- 1.030 ± 0.076 fluorophenoxy)phenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl)-2- oxoacetamide (178) 2-(1-(2-(diethylamino)ethyl)-5-(4-(4- 0.912 ± 0.079 0.27 fluorophenoxy)phenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl)-2- hydroxyacetamide (179) (S)-3-(1-(2-(diethylamino)ethyl)-5-(4-(4- 1.065 ± 0.026 fluorophenoxy)phenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl)propane- 1,2-diol (182) (S)-2-(3-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-5-(4-(4- 0.717 ± 0.042 fluorophenoxy)phenyl)-1H-indol-1-yl)acetamide (186) 2-(1-(4-(4-cyano-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy)- 0.475 ± 0.065 phenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl)-3,3,3-trifluoro-2- hydroxypropanamide (192) 2-(1-(4-(4-cyano-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy)- 0.414 ± 0.026 phenyl-1H-indol-3-yl)-2-hydroxyacetamide (193) 2-hydroxy-2-(1-(4-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2- 0.276 ± 0.011 yl)oxy)phenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl)acetamide (195) (S)-2-amino-3-(1-(4-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2- 0.340 ± 0.023 yl)oxy)phenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl)propan-1-ol(196) (S)-3-(5-(4-(4-fluorophenoxy)phenyl)-1-(2- 0.273 ± 0.061 hydroxyethyl)-1H-indol-3-yl)propane-1,2-diol (200)

Having now fully described this invention, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the same can be performed within a wide and equivalent range of conditions, formulations and other parameters without affecting the scope of the invention or any embodiment thereof.

Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.

All patents and publications cited herein are fully incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. 

1-14. (canceled)
 15. A compound of Formula VI:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, wherein G is G¹, wherein G¹ is

and G² is

m is 1; p is 0, 1, 2, or 3; R⁷ is selected from the group consisting of a) —C(═O)NR¹⁰R¹¹, wherein R¹⁰ and R¹¹ both are hydrogen; or R¹⁰ is hydrogen and R¹¹ is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, haloalkyl, haloalkoxyalkyl, aminoalkyl, alkylaminoalkyl, and dialkylaminoalkyl; b) —C(═O)OR¹², wherein R¹² is hydrogen or alkyl; c) —(CH₂)_(n)OR¹³, wherein n is 1-3 and R¹³ is hydrogen; and d) hydrogen; R⁸ and R⁹ are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, alkylsulfonyl, alkylsulfinyl, alkylcarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, haloalkyl, haloalkoxyalkyl, aminoalkyl, alkylaminoalkyl, and dialkylaminoalkyl; or —NR⁸R⁹ is —NO₂; or R⁹ is hydrogen, R⁷ is —(CH₂)_(n)OR¹³, R⁸ and R¹³ together form a bridge —C(═O)— to form a heterocyclic ring, and m is 1, 2, or 3; R^(7a) is selected from the group consisting of a) —(CH₂)_(q)OH, wherein q is 1-5; b) —C(═O)OR^(12a), wherein R^(12a) is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, haloalkyl, haloalkoxyalkyl, aminoalkyl, alkylaminoalkyl, and dialkylaminoalkyl; and c) hydrogen; R^(8a) is hydrogen or a bond; A is

wherein A¹ is optionally substituted aryl; X is —O—; and R¹⁴ and R¹⁵ are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, halogen, haloalkyl, hydroxyalkyl, hydroxy, nitro, amino, cyano, amide, carboxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, ureido, acylamino, thiol, acyloxy, azido, mercaptoalkyl, alkoxy, carboxy, and aminocarbonyl; R¹ is hydrogen; and R², R³, R⁵, and R⁶ are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen; optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl; halogen; hydroxy; cyano; amino; alkylamino; dialkylamino; alkoxy; aminocarbonyl; alkylaminocarbonyl; dialkylaminocarbonyl; alkylcarbonylamino; alkylcarbonyloxy; carboxy; aminosulfonyl; and alkylsulfonylamino. 16-22. (canceled)
 23. The compound of claim 15, wherein G is G¹.
 24. The compound of claim 23, wherein R⁷ is —C(═O)NR¹⁰R¹¹, wherein R¹⁰ and R¹¹ both are hydrogen. 25-27. (canceled)
 28. The compound of claim 23, wherein R⁷ is —C(═O)OR¹².
 29. (canceled)
 30. The compound of claim 23, wherein R⁷ is —(CH₂)_(n)OR¹³.
 31. (canceled)
 32. The compound of claim 23, wherein R⁷ is hydrogen. 33-36. (canceled)
 37. The compound of claim 15, wherein G is G¹ and is selected from the group consisting of

38-43. (canceled)
 44. The compound of claim 15, wherein G is G² and is selected from the group consisting of

and —C(═O)—C(═O)—OH. 45-74. (canceled)
 75. A pharmaceutical composition, comprising the compound of claim 15, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, prodrug or solvate thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 76. A method of treating a disorder responsive to the blockade of Na_(v)1.7 sodium channels in a mammal suffering from said disorder, comprising administering to a mammal in need of such treatment an effective amount of a compound as claimed in claim 15 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, prodrug or solvate thereof. 77-79. (canceled)
 80. A method for treating stroke, neuronal damage resulting from head trauma, epilepsy, seizures, general epilepsy with febrile seizures, severe myoclonic epilepsy in infancy, neuronal loss following global and focal ischemia, pain, migraine, familial primary erythromelalgia, paroxymal extreme pain disorder, cerebellar atrophy, ataxia, distonia, tremor, mental retardation, autism, a neurodegenerative disorder, manic depression, tinnitus, myotonia, a movement disorder, or cardiac arrhythmia, or providing local anesthesia in a mammal, comprising administering an effective amount of a compound as claimed in claim 15 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, prodrug or solvate thereof, to a mammal in need of such treatment.
 81. The method of claim 80, wherein the method is for treating pain.
 82. The method of claim 80, wherein the method is for preemptive or palliative treatment of pain.
 83. The method of claim 80, wherein said pain is selected from the group consisting of chronic pain, inflammatory pain, neuropathic pain, postsurgical pain, acute pain, and surgical pain. 84-85. (canceled)
 86. A compound as claimed in claim 15, wherein the compound is ³H, ¹¹C, or ¹⁴C radiolabeled, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, prodrug or solvate thereof.
 87. A method of screening a candidate compound for its ability to bind to a binding site on a protein using a radiolabeled compound of claim 86, comprising a) introducing a fixed concentration of the radiolabeled compound to an in vitro preparation comprising a soluble or membrane-associated sodium channel subunit or fragment under conditions that permit the radiolabeled compound to bind to the channel subunit or fragment, respectively, to form a conjugate; b) titrating the mixture with a candidate compound; and c) determining the ability of the candidate compound to displace the radiolabeled compound from said channel, subunit or fragment. 88-91. (canceled) 